Thousands have signed a petition calling for the poster to be scrapped.


A new movie poster for the upcoming Once Upon A Deadpool has angered many members of the Mormon faith, due to its resemblance to a painting commissioned by the Jesus Christ Church Of Latter Day Saints.

The poster shows the titular anti-hero descending from the heavens, surrounded by characters from the movie acting as a choir of angels.


However, many Mormons have taken issue with the poster – arguing that it’s “mocking Jesus” in its resemblance to ‘The Second Coming’ by Harry Anderson, a painting commissioned by the LDS Church.

https://twitter.com/mormon_news/status/1071344652752547841

Over 35,000 people have signed a petition calling for the poster to be replaced – condemning it as “religious discrimination”.

“In the poster Deadpool replaces Jesus Christ,” reads the petition. “Deadpool is positioned exactly as Jesus Christ was and is wearing a white robe. It is unknown if the picture was used to intentionally mock the Church of Jesus Christ, but it is clear it was copied from the original picture.

“This is a form a religious discrimination. We ask that the picture be not used or posted in any manner. That they find another poster to represent their movie.”

One signatory wrote “This mocks something sacred to me, so I am just respectfully asking for that to change,” while another added that “Many people have grown up with this picture in their places of worship, and their homes, and look upon it with reverence. It is hurtful for many to say the least.”

Others however, have suggested that the church have grounds to sue over the image.

“It is a jab at the state of Utah, and a jab at the LDS Church,” an intellectual property lawyer told ABC. “Because this use is commercial, I would assume that the LDS Church would have a good claim for copyright infringement if they chose to pursue it. But they generally are reluctant to do that.”

The LDS Church are yet to respond to the poster.

Earlier this week, a new clip from the movie showed Deadpool violently defending the music of Nickelback.

Once Upon A Deadpool is out now.