Marvel’s Deadpool is officially coming to VR, with a new game announced for Meta Quest 3 and 3S. The reveal landed this week alongside a cheeky trailer featuring none other than Ryan Reynolds himself, playfully reacting to the news that he won’t be voicing the character. That honour goes to Neil Patrick Harris, who will bring the Merc with a Mouth to life when the game launches in late 2025.
The announcement is already generating plenty of buzz. But it also raises a bigger question: can big licensed titles like this finally elevate the profile of VR gaming?
What We Know So Far
- The game is being developed for Meta Quest 3 and 3S, making it a standalone VR experience.
- Neil Patrick Harris is confirmed as the voice of Deadpool.
- The game is slated for release in late 2025.
- The tone, judging by the trailer, will lean into Deadpool’s trademark meta-humour and fourth-wall-breaking antics.
Beyond that, details on gameplay remain thin. No footage of in-game mechanics or environments has been shown yet.
The Licensed VR Gamble
This isn’t Meta’s first swing at big IP-driven VR titles. Past efforts include:
- Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge
- Resident Evil 4 VR
- Marvel’s Iron Man VR
These projects have had varying degrees of success. What they consistently show, though, is that recognisable brands can drive hardware engagement and new user acquisition.
Deadpool VR follows that trend, and it’s well timed. With Meta Quest 3S offering a more affordable entry point, a popular Marvel property could be a gateway title for new audiences.
Why This Could Matter
Deadpool’s character is uniquely suited to VR.
- His fourth-wall-breaking nature aligns perfectly with the immersive, personal feel of VR.
- Meta humour and player-directed gags could shine in a first-person perspective.
- The potential for creative, physics-based combat fits well with Quest’s current capabilities.
In other words, this is one licensed game where the medium and the IP actually make sense together—unlike some past efforts where VR was more of a gimmick.
The Bigger Picture
The announcement also reflects Meta’s ongoing strategy: lean on recognisable franchises to drive adoption.
With Apple’s Vision Pro pushing XR in a premium productivity direction, Meta is doubling down on mass-market gaming and entertainment.
The risk? Execution.
We’ve seen many licensed VR projects fall flat due to rushed development, shallow mechanics, or poor VR design. Deadpool VR will need more than good voice acting and brand power to succeed.
Final Thought
Deadpool VR is a smart bet for Meta, and one of the more promising licensed VR announcements in recent years.
But as always, the question is whether the final experience will deliver. If the developers can pair Deadpool’s irreverent tone with genuinely fun, well-designed VR gameplay, this could be a standout title for Quest owners.
As more details emerge, VR Related will be watching closely.
Sources:
- Meta Quest official channels
- Marvel Entertainment press release
- Trailer released via Ryan Reynolds’s official social media channels
For ongoing coverage of VR gaming and industry trends, stay with VR Related.
