Paramount+ is set to explore one of the most unsettling modern true-crime cases with Handsome Devil, a three-part docuseries delving into the horrific crimes of Wade Wilson, the Florida man dubbed the “Deadpool Killer” for his heavily tattooed face resembling the Marvel anti-hero.
Currently in production and slated for an early 2026 premiere, the series promises an unflinching look at Wilson’s 2019 double murder of Kristine Melton, 35, and Melissa Compton, 41, in Cape Coral. Wilson, then 25, strangled the women in separate attacks, later claiming in court he was motivated by a desire for notoriety and sexual gratification. His televised trial in 2024 captivated — and disturbed — audiences, with his emotionless demeanor and distinctive tattoos (including swastikas and racial slurs) turning his mugshot into a viral social-media fixation.
True-crime communities dissected every detail: TikTok edits romanticising his appearance, Reddit threads debating his psychology, and memes blurring horror with dark fascination. The series confronts this phenomenon head-on, asking why society fixates on “handsome” killers while victims fade from memory.
Using police bodycam footage, 911 calls, and firsthand interviews with investigators, victims’ families, and those close to Wilson, Handsome Devil digs beneath the viral imagery. It examines how Wilson’s childhood trauma, drug use, and personality disorders contributed to his descent, while exploring the trial’s media circus — including his death sentence recommendation by a 9-3 jury, later overridden by the judge for life imprisonment.
Producers promise a balanced yet unflinching approach, avoiding glorification. “This isn’t about making him a star,” executive producer Sarah Smith said. “It’s about understanding how evil hides in plain sight — and why we sometimes look away from the victims.”
The title plays on Wilson’s self-perceived charm — he reportedly called himself “handsome” in jail calls — contrasting it with the devilish nature of his acts. With Paramount+’s track record in true-crime (The Dexter Killer, Evil Lives Here), expectations are high for sensitive handling.
As production wraps, Handsome Devil joins a wave of series examining killer notoriety (Dahmer, Night Stalker). It’s a chilling reminder: in the age of viral mugshots, infamy can eclipse justice.
For viewers ready to confront the darker side of true crime, this is one to watch — but not without discomfort. The Deadpool Killer’s story isn’t entertainment; it’s a disturbing mirror to society’s obsessions.