Britain’s Ugliest Dog Stars with Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in Deadpool & Wolverine
Matthew Russell
Peggy, Britain’s ugliest dog, has made an astonishing leap from a dog shelter to the glitzy red carpet. This Pug and Chinese Crested mix, endearingly known for her unique looks, will play “Dogpool” in the much-anticipated film *Deadpool & Wolverine* alongside Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman.
Peggy was the runt of her litter and found it challenging to get adopted. Holly Middleton, from East Yorkshire, adopted Peggy when she was just six months old.
As Middleton described her initial encounter with Peggy to The Wildest, “We loved her the instant we laid eyes on her with her big brown eyes, little tuft of white hair, and her tongue lolling out to one side."
Winning the Title of Britain’s Ugliest Dog
Peggy’s journey to fame began when she won the UK's Ugliest Dog photo competition in 2022, organized by Parrot Print, Digital Camera World reports. Despite her unconventional appearance, Peggy is healthy and happy.
“Peggy is a completely healthy and happy dog, her tongue doesn’t cause her any issues, she can eat (and she really does love to eat) and drink with no problems," Middleton said.
Winning the title catapulted Peggy into the spotlight. She made several media appearances, including on BBC Breakfast and ITV’s This Morning. But the biggest break was yet to come.
Hollywood Calls
Ryan Reynolds, who plays Deadpool, saw Peggy and felt an instant connection. He believed Peggy was the “animal manifestation of Wade Wilson,” Deadpool’s alter ego, The Wildest reports.
What started as a small role for Peggy grew into a more significant part as the script evolved. Reynolds expressed his enthusiasm for Peggy.
“It was love at first sight for Deadpool, and after that, he decided to keep Dogpool by his side," he said.
In the film, Peggy's character Dogpool is as unconventional and chaotic as Deadpool himself. Her presence on screen adds a unique and humorous twist to the movie.
Red Carpet Debut
On July 26, Peggy made her red carpet debut at the Eventim Apollo in London. Sporting her superhero costume, she was photographed with Reynolds and Jackman, reports the BBC.
This event was part of the promotional activities for the movie, which included a temporary makeover of HMV's flagship store in Oxford Street, replacing its traditional dog-and-gramophone logo with one featuring Peggy. Reynolds introduced Peggy to the audience, humorously highlighting her distinctive features.
“This is Peggy, aka Mary Poppins, aka Dogpool. Get a good look. Her nipples are the size of children’s sneakers. She won Ugliest Dog in Britain, but we’re not telling her that, because she’s a 10 in our hearts, isn’t she?” Reynolds said.
A Symbol of Hope
Peggy’s story is more than just a tale of an underdog making it big. It’s a testament to the fact that all animals, regardless of their appearance, deserve love and can find a home.
Middleton hopes that Peggy’s rise to fame encourages people to look beyond physical imperfections and give a chance to those dogs often overlooked in shelters, Digital Camera World reports. Peggy’s journey from being the last of an accidental litter to a movie star is inspiring. She proves that with love and care, any dog can thrive and bring joy to a family.
As Middleton aptly put it, “Even though some people find Peggy's unusual appearance strange, we think she is beautiful both inside and out, and wouldn't change her for the world."
The Future Looks Bright
With her role in *Deadpool & Wolverine," Peggy is set to become a beloved character in the Marvel universe. Her unique charm and story of resilience will undoubtedly resonate with audiences worldwide.
As Peggy continues to bask in her newfound fame, she remains a symbol of hope and the importance of looking beyond appearances. Peggy’s journey to stardom is a heartwarming reminder that every dog has its day.
From a shelter dog to a movie star, Peggy’s story is one of love, acceptance, and the extraordinary things that can happen when we open our hearts to the unexpected.
