“I’m Not Deadpool” – Keluang Man Poster Draws Criticism for Copying Marvel Character

Malaysia’s iconic superhero, Keluang Man, is making a comeback, but the promotional poster for its upcoming live-action film is facing backlash for its striking resemblance to Deadpool.

A Nostalgic Hero with a Unique Malaysian Twist

For many Malaysians who grew up in the 90s, Keluang Man holds a special place in their hearts. The masked vigilante first aired in 1998 on TV1, offering a humorous take on the superhero genre, often seen as a parody of Batman with a uniquely Malaysian spin. However, as excitement builds for his live-action adaptation, the film’s marketing team seems to have sparked controversy rather than nostalgia.

A Parody of a Parody?

On 13 February, local film studio Astro Shaw unveiled an animated promotional poster for the upcoming Keluang Man live-action film. But instead of hyping up fans, the poster was met with criticism for its uncanny resemblance to a certain Marvel anti-hero—Deadpool.

The pose, color scheme, and even the tagline on the poster, which reads “I’m Not Deadpool,” immediately drew comparisons to Ryan Reynolds’ famous character. Many pointed out the irony of a parody superhero now seemingly mimicking another parody superhero, as Deadpool himself is known for breaking the fourth wall and satirizing the superhero genre.

Netizens React: ‘Unoriginal & Embarrassing’

The reaction online has been mixed, but many social media users were not impressed with the promotional poster. Some called it “an embarrassment to Malaysia,” criticizing the lack of originality in the marketing approach. Others felt it was simply “not that interesting,” arguing that the film deserves a better marketing strategy. On the flip side, some defended the production, urging Malaysians to support local cinema. A few even joked about a crossover between Keluang Man and Deadpool, though that remains purely a fan fantasy.

Source: The Rakyat Post