Warning: Major Deadpool & Wolverine spoilers are ahead. Read at your own risk.
After a long wait, Deadpool & Wolverine has finally hit the big screen and resolved the mysteries surrounding the titular characters’ debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. True to the MCU’s fashion, it features exciting twists and turns, and just like the previous teasers, it sees several surprising cameos that send chills down every fan’s spine. One of those thrilling cameos is seeing Wesley Snipes reprising his role as Blade 23 years after David S. Goyer’s 2004 Blade: Trinity. And he doesn’t just have a brief appearance but plays a supporting role. However, many probably don’t know that Snipes once had a feud with the threequel’s lead star, Ryan Reynolds.
Nobody probably sees it coming that Snipes is part of Deadpool & Wolverine. Blade appears with Jennifer Garner’s Elektra, Channing Tatum’s Gambit, and Dafne Keen’s X-23 after driving unconscious Reynolds’ Deadpool and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine to their place to plan their attack against Emma Corrin’s Cassandra Nova in The Void.
When Blade: Trinity was still filming, the tension between Reynolds, who played Hannibal King, and Snipes became a Hollywood legend, leading to the assumption that the two actors hated each other. Allegedly, Snipes became extremely hard to work with. Various sources from the movie’s set claimed he would often stay in his trailer, not talking to the director, Goyer, and only communicated with the crew through written notes or his assistant.
Snipes was known for being a method actor, staying as his character throughout. He would even sign his notes “from Blade.” Reynolds was relatively new to playing a high-profile role at the time, but he would often find himself carrying scenes while Snipes was missing in action or being uncooperative. There was a big difference between the two’s acting styles. Reynolds is known for his improvisational and comedic approach, starkly contrasting with Snipes’ intense and methodical portrayal of Blade.
That said, this difference, alongside their work ethics, reportedly played a role in their feud, especially since Reynolds often got the spotlight. This resulted in tension on set, with many crew members claiming strained interactions between Snipes and Reynolds. It even led to rumors that their on-set feud developed into something personal.
Deadpool & Wolverine References Wesley Snipes and Ryan Reynolds’ Feud
Knowing Deadpool’s style, it’s no surprise that Deadpool & Wolverine references Snipes and Reynolds’ feud. As the Merc with a Mouth plans their battle against Cassandra, Blade notes that he doesn’t like the eponymous antihero. Of course, Deadpool doesn’t let it slide and answers him back. “You never liked me,” he says.
At one point, Deadpool even expresses his surprise at seeing Blade back after thinking he is retired. However, Blade mishears the word retired as “retarded,” which Deadpool later clears. Blade also makes a shade against Marvel Studios. When Deadpool asks where Blade got his weapon, the latter says it’s from the Punisher. As Deadpool asks which version of the Punisher, Blade stresses there’s only one Blade. Deadpool then sneers at the camera, knowing Marvel is working on a new Blade movie with Mahershala Ali.
By the looks of it, Snipes and Reynolds have buried the hatchet and moved on from their feud over two decades ago. The Blade actor even appeared with Reynolds, Jackman, Corrin, director Shawn Levy, and other actors behind the major cameos on the Hall H stage at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. As fans start to cheer, Reynolds gives Snipes a big hug.
Deadpool & Wolverine is now playing in theaters.
