Ryan Reynolds Explains Deadpool's Independence from Avengers, X-Men

Ryan Reynolds has cast some doubt on the prospects of Deadpool joining either the Avengers or the X-Men, suggesting that such a move would signify the character reaching "the end." Given the massive success of Deadpool & Wolverine, and Deadpool's clear desire to join the Avengers within the film, there was speculation that Marvel Studios might want the 'Merc with a Mouth' to team up with icons like Captain America and Professor X in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday.

Last month's Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal showcased a strong presence of veteran X-Men actors. Notable names such as Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are set to appear, firmly establishing the X-Men's significant role in the film. Grammer, who played Beast in the Fox X-Men franchise, has already made his MCU debut in The Marvels' post-credits scene. Stewart, known for portraying Charles Xavier/Professor X in the X-Men films, briefly appeared in the MCU in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as a member of the Illuminati. Meanwhile, actors like McKellen (Magneto), Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops) are yet to make their MCU debut. This heavy inclusion of X-Men characters raises the question: is Avengers: Doomsday secretly an Avengers vs. X-Men movie?

However, Reynolds' name was notably absent from the extensive list of stars confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday, although Channing Tatum, who portrayed Gambit in Deadpool & Wolverine, did make the cut. Reynolds has since made comments that further suggest a formal inclusion of Deadpool in the Avengers or X-Men might not be in the cards. "If Deadpool becomes an Avenger or an X-Man, we're at the end," Reynolds told Time. "That's wish fulfillment, and you can't give him that."

Yet, Reynolds hinted that a surprise cameo in a supporting role could be more fitting for Deadpool, citing the positive reception to Wesley Snipes' cameo as Blade in Deadpool & Wolverine. So, if joining the Avengers or X-Men isn't suitable for Deadpool, what lies ahead for the character? Reynolds disclosed that he is currently working on a new project involving an "ensemble," though he remained tight-lipped about the details.

"I'm writing a little something right now, that's, I don't know, it's an ensemble," Reynolds added. "But, I like that [Deadpool] is isolated." This suggests the possibility of another Deadpool movie featuring numerous cameos, similar to Deadpool & Wolverine. Potential characters to return could include Wesley Snipes' Blade, Channing Tatum's Gambit, Jennifer Garner's Elektra, and Dafne Keen's Laura Kinney/X-23.

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As for Avengers: Doomsday, details beyond the cast list remain scarce. Earlier this month, Anthony Mackie, who will reprise his role as Sam Wilson/Captain America, expressed his belief that Avengers: Doomsday will "give the audience that old Marvel feeling that they always had." Mackie joins a growing list of cast members speaking about the upcoming Marvel epic, following comments from Ant-Man's Paul Rudd and Human Torch's Joseph Quinn. Additionally, an alleged Avengers: Doomsday set photo leak recently stirred the MCU fandom, with some fans speculating negative implications for the X-Men.

Fans have also speculated that Oscar Isaac might appear in Avengers: Doomsday as Moon Knight, fueled by his withdrawal from this month's Star Wars Celebration event due to changes in his production schedule. Marvel Studios producer Kevin Feige has confirmed that the Avengers livestream did not include the full cast of Doomsday — "We revealed many, not all," he stated during a video call at CinemaCon.