You’ve seen the name everywhere. It’s plastered across TikTok, trending on X, and debated in dark corners of true crime forums. But the confusion is real. When people ask "is Wade Wilson alive," they’re usually talking about one of two very different men. One is a fictional mercenary with a healing factor that makes him basically immortal. The other is a convicted double murderer sitting in a Florida prison cell.
Right now, as we move through early 2026, the short answer is yes. Both Wade Wilsons are "alive," but their circumstances couldn't be more different.
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The Reality for the Florida Convict
Let’s get the heavy stuff out of the way first. The real-life Wade Steven Wilson, often dubbed the "Deadpool Killer" by the media due to his name and his face tattoos, is very much alive. He is currently an inmate in the Florida Department of Corrections.
Things haven't been quiet for him. Following his high-profile trial in 2024 for the 2019 murders of Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz, he was sentenced to death. Since then, he has been a resident of Florida’s death row. As of early 2026, he is housed at the Union Correctional Institution in Raiford, Florida.
If you're following the legal play-by-play, here is the deal. Wilson is currently in the middle of a mandatory appeal to the Florida Supreme Court. In Florida, if you get the death penalty, the state’s highest court has to review it. Just recently, on February 5, 2026, his legal team went before the Florida Supreme Court for oral arguments. They’re basically trying to argue that the death sentence should be tossed out because of the way Florida changed its jury laws—specifically the move away from requiring a unanimous jury for death recommendations.
It’s a long process. We are talking years of litigation. While some people online seem to think an execution is imminent, that's just not how the U.S. justice system works. He isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
What’s the Word on the Marvel Character?
On the flip side, we have the Wade Wilson we actually like. The Merc with a Mouth.
If you’re asking if the MCU version of Wade Wilson is alive, the answer is a resounding "yeah, obviously." After the massive success of Deadpool & Wolverine back in 2024, the character has become a cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ryan Reynolds isn't done with the suit yet. Reports and casting leaks for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday (slated for later this year/early 2027) heavily suggest Deadpool will be popping up to cause more multiversal headaches.
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But if you’re a comic book reader, you know things are a bit weirder.
In the comics, Wade Wilson has "died" more times than most people have had hot dinners. Most recently, Marvel kicked off a brand-new solo series titled Wade Wilson: Deadpool in February 2026. This run follows a pretty brutal arc where Wade was essentially "killed" by a villain named Death Grip who figured out how to shut off his healing factor.
Don't panic. This is comics. He’s already "alive" again in the current 2026 issues, though he’s currently dealing with some pretty "gut-wrenching horror" according to the latest solicitations. Basically, if he’s breathing, he’s miserable. That’s just Deadpool.
Why Does This Name Keep Trending?
It’s the tattoos and the name. Honestly, if the Florida guy was named Steve Smith, the internet probably would have moved on by now. But because he shares a name with a beloved anti-hero and looks like a comic book villain come to life, he’s become a bizarre focus of "hybridistophilia"—a phenomenon where people become obsessed with or attracted to violent criminals.
You’ve probably seen the "Save Wade Wilson" petitions. Or the TikTok edits. It’s a strange, often toxic corner of the internet. Supporters often point to his alleged brain damage or his father’s testimony as reasons for clemency. Meanwhile, the families of Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz are still waiting for what they consider final justice.
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Quick Facts on the Current Status
- Real Wade Wilson: Currently on death row in Florida. His case is under active appeal (as of February 2026).
- Marvel Wade Wilson: Alive and well in the MCU; currently starring in a new solo comic series from Marvel.
- Next Legal Step: The Florida Supreme Court will issue a ruling on his appeal later this year following the February 5th arguments.
If you’re tracking the Florida case, the most important thing to watch is the Florida Supreme Court's docket. That’s where the real news happens, not on TikTok. For the Marvel fans, keep your eyes on the Avengers: Doomsday production updates.
The story of the "real" Wade Wilson is tied up in a slow, grinding legal machine. The story of the "fake" Wade Wilson is about to get even bigger as he officially joins the Avengers' orbit. Either way, the name isn't leaving the headlines anytime soon.
If you want to stay updated on the legal side of things, checking the Florida Supreme Court’s public records is the only way to get the facts without the social media fluff. On the entertainment side, the new 2026 comic run is the best place to see where the Merc with a Mouth is headed next.