So, let's talk about that buzzcut. Back in 2016, a relatively unknown actress walked onto the screen in a yellow-and-black suit, looked Ryan Reynolds dead in the eye, and basically summed up an entire generation's mood with a single, devastating eye-roll. That was Brianna Hildebrand.
She was playing Negasonic Teenage Warhead.
Most people didn't even know who that was. Honestly, even the hardcore comic book nerds were a bit confused because the movie version of the character was almost nothing like the one in the Marvel books. But it worked. It worked so well that Hildebrand didn't just become a sidekick; she became the soul of the Deadpool franchise's X-Men connection.
Who is the Negasonic Teenage Warhead actress?
Brianna Hildebrand isn't just a girl who got lucky with a superhero role. She’s a Texan—born in College Station—who originally moved to Los Angeles with the intention of being a musician. Seriously. She sings, she plays guitar, and acting was kind of a "sure, why not?" suggestion from her managers.
She landed the role of Negasonic when she was just 19.
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Imagine that. Your first major film is a R-rated gamble starring one of the biggest names in Hollywood. She had to shave her head, which she actually kept that way for about two years. It became her signature look, though she’s joked in interviews about the pain of wearing wigs for other roles while her hair was growing back.
Why her portrayal changed everything
Before Deadpool, female superheroes were often... well, they were "movie pretty." They were polished. Then came Brianna.
Her character was moody. She was "hardcore" gothic. She spent half her time on her phone ignoring the world-ending stakes around her. It felt real. For a lot of young fans, seeing a girl who wasn't trying to be charming or "likable" was a breath of fresh air.
The landmark moment in Deadpool 2
We have to talk about the sequel. This is where the Negasonic Teenage Warhead actress really made history. In Deadpool 2, it’s revealed that Negasonic is in a relationship with another mutant, Yukio.
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This was a massive deal.
It was the first time a mainstream, big-budget superhero movie featured an openly LGBTQ+ relationship. And the best part? The movie didn't make a "thing" out of it. There was no tragic coming-out arc or dramatic "we need to talk about our identity" scene. They were just together. They were a couple who happened to fight bad guys.
Brianna, who identifies as queer herself, actually talked to Ryan Reynolds about this. She specifically requested that the relationship be treated as a normal, everyday fact of life. No big speech. No fanfare. Just two people dating. That subtlety is exactly why it resonated so much with the community.
Beyond the X-Men: Brianna's other lives
If you only know her from the Marvel world, you're missing out on some of her best work.
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- Trinkets: She played Elodie Davis in this Netflix series about a group of shoplifters. It’s a grounded, emotional show that really let her flex her dramatic muscles.
- Lucifer: In the final season of the hit show, she played Rory, the future daughter of Lucifer Morningstar. It was a role that required a mix of angst and celestial power, which she nailed.
- Tragedy Girls: This is a cult favorite. She stars alongside Alexandra Shipp as high schoolers obsessed with becoming social media famous... by becoming serial killers. It’s dark, hilarious, and shows off her range.
- First Girl I Loved: A very personal project for her, this indie film explores a high school romance between two girls.
What’s happening with her now?
As of 2024 and 2025, Brianna has officially returned to the fold. Seeing her back in Deadpool & Wolverine felt like a homecoming for fans who grew up with the first movie. Even though the MCU is constantly shifting and bringing in new faces, there is something about her specific brand of dry wit that keeps her relevant.
She’s also branching out into more genre work. Keep an eye out for her in upcoming projects like Fog of War and Osiris. She isn't just "the girl with the explosions" anymore. She’s a seasoned actress who knows exactly how to command a scene, whether she’s wearing a cape or not.
How to follow her journey
If you want to keep up with what she’s doing, here is what you should actually do:
- Watch "Tragedy Girls": If you want to see her do something totally different from the Marvel universe, this is the one. It’s a masterclass in dark comedy.
- Check out her music: Since she started as a musician, her acoustic stuff is actually floating around online if you look hard enough. It gives you a much better sense of her personality than a scripted interview.
- Support LGBTQ+ cinema: Brianna is a vocal advocate. Watching projects like First Girl I Loved or Trinkets supports the kind of representation she has fought for in Hollywood.
The Negasonic Teenage Warhead actress isn't just a footnote in a superhero movie. She's a pioneer who proved that you can be grumpy, queer, and a little bit "questionable," and the audience will still love you for it.