For episode 1 of character creative liberties, I'm going to use my favorite comic book character of all time, Deadpool.
Before I start the article, I will have to say this, Deadpool is a lose-lose situation for the most part. Make no creative liberties, and you lose the general audience, make too many, and you lose the faith of the fans.
However, with CAREFULLY PLACED creative liberties, Deadpool could adapt easily to the big screen in all of his pop culture referencing, one liner making, glory.
Most dangerous creative liberties that HAVE to be taken
First and foremost, I'm just going to say it. NERF the healing factor
Don't get me wrong, I still want to see him be able to grow limbs back and stuff, but Deadpool's healing factor is the HARDEST thing to translate to the big screen. He should be able to take normally lethal blows such as headshots, but flamethrowers and such should have an effect on him.
The reason for this is the difference between why people go to a movie and why people read comics.
When we read comics, we expect to have next to invincible characters who can come back from being erased from existence.'
However, when you watch a movie, you want to see a character who is struggling to overcome the obstacles he's faced with.
Now for an equally dangerous creative liberty.
Give him at least 1 serious moment. (LET ME EXPLAIN)
The movie should be 90% one liners and action scenes, but the thing about modern Deadpool comics compared to Joe Kelly's run, is that Joe Kelly would throw in a serious moment to keep us invested in the story. Seeing how Deadpool reacted to these serious moments was pretty fun. It was an interesting character study, because about two panels after the serious moment was over, Deadpool would go back to making one liners and kicking ass.
I'm not saying make him a dramatic character, I'm saying make him the same hilarious bad ass with SOME serious moments, that he was in the 90s.
Creative liberties that should never be taken.
These are the creative liberties that should NEVER EVER be taken no matter what.
Making him CHILD friendly
I know, I know. I recently made an article saying that a PG-13 Deadpool could work.
The difference?
I meant a HARD PG-13. Such as Dark Knight or Alien Vs Predator.
I meant we should STILL see the psychotic part of Deadpool, but have just blood as opposed to gore.
Even in the episode of Ultimate Spiderman, he joked about being stabbed. That is the most child friendly you can have Deadpool at.
Taking away the costume
Deadpool's costume is iconic to him, heck, his mask is his logo.
Making him sane
Self Explanatory.
BONUS: Unnecessary temporary-change that would be hilarious to see
Give him a Nolanized armor version of his costume early in the movie. Since we all know Deadpool has a healing factor, it would be pointless for him to have armor, when asked why he has it, he replies "Because it's cool looking.", Halfway through the movie he will get his classic costume.