Deadpool 3 has seen its cinematic release date moved up by several months, now scheduled for May 3, 2024. This shift has led many to speculate that Marvel's high confidence in the film's success underlies the decision.
Ryan Reynolds is set to make his MCU debut in Deadpool 3 alongside several other actors. His transition from Fox's X-Men franchise to Marvel Studios was confirmed after Disney's acquisition of Fox in 2019. Set photos of Deadpool 3 have ignited excitement, featuring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in iconic superhero attire as Deadpool and Wolverine.
Fans are curious as to which characters will secure a place in the storyline of Deadpool 3, and there's been a lot of rumors about the cameos spreading online, including claims that various X-Men characters who have showed up in the past movies might appear in the highly-anticipated threequel.
Here's a list of the ten Marvel characters who might be making an appearance in Deadpool 3:
1. Ben Affleck's Daredevil
Ben Affleck initially ventured into the superhero genre with his lead role in the 2003 film Daredevil. Jennifer Garner, who portrayed his romantic interest Elektra and later starred in her own standalone movie, is set to reprise her role in Deadpool 3. Considering this, it would be fitting for Affleck to return as Matt Murdock.
Twitter user @TheComixKid, also known as KC Walsh, claimed to have spotted Affleck on the set of Deadpool 3 in England. Though it's also possible his presence there could have been a coincidence and might mean nothing.
If Affleck does potentially return as Daredevil, it could create an entertaining contrast with Ryan Reynolds' irreverent Deadpool.
2. Professor X
Like Hugh Jackman, fans believed Patrick Stewart had concluded his portrayal of Charles Xavier following the 2017 film Logan. However, the unexpected occurred when the actor made a surprising return in 2022's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. In this appearance, he portrayed a version of Charles Xavier from an alternate reality Illuminati, meeting his demise at the hands of the Scarlet Witch.
In a February 2023 interview with Comicbook.com, Stewart hinted at his participation by mentioning that he had been informed to remain prepared for another appearance in the MCU."I've been told to standby. I know nothing more than that, honest," Stewart said.
During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Stewart hinted at a potential reunion of Professor X and Magneto in Deadpool 3, hinting at ongoing plans with Ian McKellen. Although Marvel Studios hasn't officially confirmed their return, the possibility of their involvement in Deadpool 3 presents exciting opportunities.
3. Magneto
The character known as the Master of Magnetism was initially portrayed by Sir Ian McKellen in the first three X-Men films. Magneto presents a compelling option for a potential cameo in Deadpool 3.
Much like Patrick Stewart's portrayal of Professor X, Ian McKellen's depiction of Magneto is among the most iconic villains in Fox's Marvel movie roster. The prospect of seeing McKellen reunite on-screen with Stewart holds substantial appeal to fans, especially given their longstanding real-life friendship and their shared history in the original Fox X-Men films.
Just as James McAvoy's return could be considered, this scenario could also provide an opportunity for Michael Fassbender to revisit his role as the younger Magneto. Introducing Magneto into the MCU could yield significant repercussions, particularly considering the character's intricate ties to the Scarlet Witch in the comic books and his pivotal role in the emergence of the Mutants.
4. Storm
Halle Berry is known for her portrayal of Storm, the mutant with the ability to manipulate weather, in the X-Men series. Alexandra Shipp also depicted a younger version of the character in the rebooted films, including X-Men: Apocalypse and Dark Phoenix. Storm's representation in the comics positions her as one of the most renowned female characters in Marvel's history.
Halle Berry is potentially gearing up to reprise her role as Storm, propelled by a recent social media post featuring her sporting Storm's iconic silver hair. With filming for Deadpool 3 still underway, it's feasible that Berry has covertly filmed her part already. This would mark her return to the character since her appearance in X-Men: Days of Future Past.
Halle Berry has sparked speculation about her potential return as Storm through a recent Instagram post. Additionally, insider @CanWeGetSomeToast has asserted the confirmation of her return.
5. Jean Grey
Fox has struggled to capture the Dark Phoenix storyline from Marvel Comics successfully. Their initial attempt was in 2006's X-Men: The Last Stand, with Famke Janssen depicting the corrupted version of Jean Grey known as the Phoenix. Later, in the reboot films X-Men: Apocalypse and Dark Phoenix, Sophie Turner portrayed the evil version.
The return of Jean Grey in Deadpool 3 presents an opportunity to bring justice to this cherished comic book narrative. Jean Grey, a figure of immense power within the Marvel universe, holds a special place for dedicated comic book enthusiasts.
In a May 2023 interview with MovieWeb, Famke Janssen, who played Jean Grey in five X-Men films, expressed interest in returning to the role. While joining the MCU wasn't her main focus, she remains open to reprising the role.
6. Mr. Fantastic
John Krasinski made a brief and surprising cameo appearance as the intelligent and elastic character in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Unfortunately, Krasinski's role was cut short as the Scarlet Witch brutally dispatched him.
Reed Richards, also known as Mister Fantastic, was portrayed by Ioan Gruffudd in the initial two Fox Fantastic Four films and later by Miles Teller in the 2015 version. Among the members of the Fantastic Four, Reed Richards stands as the only one to have had a presence within the MCU.
According to Krasinski, he hasn't discussed with Marvel Studios regarding a potential return to the role. This leaves an opportunity for one of the previous actors who portrayed Mister Fantastic, such as Gruffudd, to make a comeback in Deadpool 3.
7. X-23
In Hugh Jackman's final portrayal of Wolverine in Logan, the aging mutant assisted a young girl named Laura, portrayed by Dafne Keen, in finding sanctuary at a refuge known as Eden. As the story unfolds, it's revealed that Laura is Wolverine's biological daughter.
Logan resonated with fans as a farewell to Jackman's character. Dafne Keen returning as X-23 in Deadpool 3 connects the emotion of Jackman's appearance with Reynolds' humor. It might bridge Jackman's emotional past with lightheartedness in his interactions alongside Ryan Reynolds' Wade Wilson.
8. She-Hulk
Tatiana Maslany has recently joined the ranks of the MCU, stepping into the role of Jennifer Walters, also known as She-Hulk, in the Disney+ series She-Hulk: Attorney-at-Law. What increases her likelihood of appearing in Deadpool 3 is her unique trait of regularly breaking the fourth wall during her on-screen appearances, much like Deadpool himself.
Considering Deadpool's tendency to be entangled in various unconventional situations, it would not be unexpected for the character to require legal representation. This scenario presents an excellent opportunity to blend the comedic expertise of Ryan Reynolds with the charismatic presence of Tatiana Maslany, whose performance in Attorney-at-Law garnered attention and praise.
9. Mobius M. Mobius
TVA is an organization originating from the comics and introduced in the MCU through Disney Plus' Loki series. Rumors suggest that Deadpool 3 will bring Wade Wilson into contact with the Time Variance Authority (TVA). In Loki, Mobius collaborates with the titular character to uncover the organization's hidden truths.
Recent rumors have added to the intrigue, suggesting that Owen Wilson could return in Deadpool 3, again playing the TVA agent. This possibility aligns with Deadpool's transition from Fox's franchise to Marvel Studios' MCU. It would also contribute to establishing new connections between the variant Loki and the primary continuity of the MCU.
10. Doctor Doom
Doctor Doom is the sovereign ruler of Latveria and the archnemesis of Mister Fantastic. He is one of the most eagerly awaited Marvel characters who has not yet graced the MCU. It would be a fitting twist of irony if Doctor Doom debuted in the MCU through Deadpool 3.
As Deadpool 3 positions itself within the mainline MCU, the film holds the potential to feature events that reverberate across future projects. The film could introduce Victor von Doom, who could assume a pivotal role in Avengers: Secret Wars during Phase 6.
There are a lot of really exciting characters who we can potentially see in the upcoming Deadpool 3 movie. These are well-known characters who have either appeared in other movies already, or they are yet to show up in live-action MCU.
