Ryan Reynolds Explains Deadpool's Standalone Status

Ryan Reynolds has sparked speculation about the future of Deadpool by expressing reservations about the character joining either the Avengers or the X-Men. In a recent interview with Time, Reynolds stated, "If Deadpool becomes an Avenger or an X-Man, we're at the end. That's wish fulfillment, and you can't give him that." This statement comes on the heels of the massive success of Deadpool & Wolverine, where the character's desire to join the Avengers was a central theme, leading many to believe that Marvel Studios might be eager to see Deadpool team up with iconic heroes like Captain America and Professor X in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday.

Last month's cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday 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, known for his role as Charles Xavier/Professor X, briefly appeared in the MCU in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as part of the Illuminati. McKellen, who portrayed Magneto, has yet to appear in the MCU, as have Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops). This strong X-Men lineup has led fans to wonder if Avengers: Doomsday could be a covert Avengers vs. X-Men movie.

Despite the excitement surrounding the cast, Reynolds' name was notably absent from the list of confirmed stars for Avengers: Doomsday. Channing Tatum, who played Gambit in Deadpool & Wolverine, did make the cut, however. Reynolds suggested that a cameo appearance, similar to Wesley Snipes' well-received cameo as Blade in Deadpool & Wolverine, might be a more fitting role for Deadpool, rather than a formal promotion to either the Avengers or the X-Men.

As for Deadpool's future, Reynolds hinted at working on a new project involving an "ensemble" but remained tight-lipped on the details. This could potentially lead to another Deadpool film filled with cameos, similar to Deadpool & Wolverine, possibly featuring characters like Snipes' Blade, Tatum's Gambit, Jennifer Garner's Elektra, and Dafne Keen's Laura Kinney/X-23.

Deadpool & Wolverine: Easter Eggs, Cameos and References

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Details about Avengers: Doomsday remain scarce beyond the cast announcements. Recently, Anthony Mackie, who will reprise his role as Sam Wilson/Captain America, expressed his belief that the film will "give the audience that old Marvel feeling that they always had." Other cast members, including Paul Rudd (Ant-Man) and Joseph Quinn (Human Torch), have also spoken positively about the upcoming Marvel epic. Additionally, a leaked set photo from Avengers: Doomsday sparked intense speculation among fans, with some suggesting it could spell trouble for the X-Men.

There has been speculation about Oscar Isaac potentially appearing as Moon Knight in Avengers: Doomsday, fueled by his withdrawal from this month's Star Wars Celebration due to changes in his production schedule. Marvel Studios producer Kevin Feige confirmed that the Avengers livestream did not reveal the entire cast of Doomsday, stating, "We revealed many, not all," during a video call at CinemaCon.