Ryan Reynolds Explains Deadpool's Solo Path Away from Avengers, X-Men

Ryan Reynolds has cast doubt on the possibility of Deadpool joining the Avengers or the X-Men, stating that such a move would signify the character's "end." This comes amidst speculation fueled by the success of Deadpool & Wolverine, where Deadpool's desire to join the Avengers is a central plot point. Many fans had hoped that Marvel Studios would integrate the 'Merc with a Mouth' into the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, alongside icons like Captain America and Professor X.

Last month's Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal was packed with veteran X-Men actors, including Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden, confirming a significant X-Men presence in the film. Grammer, who played Beast in the Fox X-Men franchise, made his MCU debut in The Marvels' post-credits scene. Stewart portrayed Charles Xavier/Professor X in the X-Men films and made a brief appearance in the MCU in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as part of the Illuminati. Meanwhile, McKellen, Cumming, Romijn, and Marsden, known for their roles as Magneto, Nightcrawler, Mystique, and Cyclops respectively, have yet to appear in the MCU. This raises the question: is Avengers: Doomsday secretly an Avengers vs. X-Men movie?

Despite the extensive cast list for Avengers: Doomsday, Reynolds' name was notably absent, while Channing Tatum, who played Gambit in Deadpool & Wolverine, was included. Reynolds' recent comments to Time further suggest that a formal promotion of Deadpool to the Avengers or X-Men is unlikely. "If Deadpool becomes an Avenger or an X-Man, we're at the end,” he stated. “That's wish fulfillment, and you can't give him that.” However, Reynolds hinted at the possibility of Deadpool making a surprise cameo in a supporting role, citing the positive reception to Wesley Snipes' cameo as Blade in Deadpool & Wolverine.

As for Deadpool's future, Reynolds is currently working on a new project that he describes as involving an "ensemble," though he remains tight-lipped about the details. This could potentially lead to another Deadpool film with a focus on cameos, similar to Deadpool & Wolverine. Characters like Snipes' Blade and Tatum's Gambit, along with Jennifer Garner's Elektra and Dafne Keene's Laura Kinney/X-23, could return in this ensemble.

Deadpool & Wolverine: Easter Eggs, Cameos and References

View 38 Images

Regarding Avengers: Doomsday, beyond the confirmed cast, details remain scarce. Anthony Mackie, who will reprise his role as Sam Wilson/Captain America, recently expressed his belief that the film will evoke the "old Marvel feeling" that fans cherish. Mackie joins other cast members like Paul Rudd (Ant-Man) and Joseph Quinn (Human Torch) in sharing their excitement about the project. Additionally, a supposed set photo leak has sparked further speculation among the MCU fandom, with some suggesting it could spell trouble for the X-Men.

There's also buzz about Oscar Isaac possibly appearing as Moon Knight in Avengers: Doomsday, fueled by his withdrawal from this month’s Star Wars Celebration due to scheduling conflicts. Marvel Studios producer Kevin Feige has confirmed that the Avengers livestream did not reveal the full cast of Doomsday, stating, "We revealed many, not all," during a video call at CinemaCon.