From Accidental Litter to Hollywood Stardom: Peggy the Pugese Takes Center Stage
The world of celebrity has a new four-legged sensation, and she's set to make a splash at Vancouver Fan Expo this weekend. Peggy, a British pugese—a charming mixed breed cross between a pug and a Chinese crested dog—rose to global fame after her scene-stealing role as Dogpool in the 2025 Marvel blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine. Now, fans will have the unique opportunity to meet this canine star in person as she signs "pawtographs" at the event, joining a lineup that includes cast members from The Lord of the Rings, Smallville, and Stranger Things.
A Humble Beginning and Unexpected Fame
Peggy's journey to stardom began inauspiciously. Born in 2018 as the runt of an accidental litter, she was adopted by Holly and Luke Middleton, who cherished her as a beloved family pet. Her future as a Hollywood icon was far from obvious. In 2023, a local newspaper advertisement asking, "Do you think you have the U.K.'s ugliest dog?" prompted friends to suggest entering Peggy. To everyone's surprise, she won, but the Middletons assumed it would be a fleeting moment of fame.
"I fell in love with her instantly, and she was just a regular family pet we all adored," Holly Middleton recalled. "When she won, we thought that was her 15 minutes of fame and it would fizzle out as quickly as it started."
The Call That Changed Everything
Months later, an unexpected call from an agent inquired if Peggy might be interested in a movie role, though no details were provided. Intrigued, the Middletons agreed, and Peggy was cast in what turned out to be Deadpool & Wolverine. "Of course, that was Deadpool & Wolverine, and the world fell in love with her," Middleton said. "Now we travel the world going to these fan expos and meeting her adoring public."
The role came at the specific request of Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds. However, Peggy wasn't thrown into the spotlight without preparation. She underwent acting lessons with veteran dog trainer Julie Tottman, who trained her to handle noisy film sets and perform actions like licking Deadpool's face—with rewards involving cheesy treats after each take.
Training and Triumph on the Big Screen
"We'd never ever imagined that she would be any kind of an active, working dog, and I'm a pretty terrible trainer," Middleton admitted. "Fortunately, Peggy is the kind of dog who will come and watch fireworks with us in the yard. Jules said she was a complete natural."
When the film premiered, Peggy joined Reynolds and co-star Hugh Jackman on press junkets and even walked the red carpet, while Holly and Luke watched from the sidelines. Her transformation from a humble pet to a Marvel character has captivated audiences worldwide, making her a standout example of how unexpected talents can shine.
Looking Ahead: Vancouver Fan Expo and Beyond
As Peggy prepares for her appearance at Vancouver Fan Expo, her story serves as an inspiring tale of serendipity and charm. From winning a quirky contest to becoming a beloved film character, she embodies the unique "it" factor that defines true character actors—even in the canine world. Fans eager to meet this pugese sensation can look forward to an unforgettable experience, complete with pawtographs and perhaps a few behind-the-scenes anecdotes from her rise to fame.
