A new chapter in the Deadpool saga is taking shape, as Ryan Reynolds is reportedly in the early stages of developing a team-up film that would unite his wise-cracking mercenary with characters from the X-Men universe. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the project is being crafted for Marvel Studios, signaling a deeper integration of Fox's former mutant properties into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Following the record-breaking success of Deadpool & Wolverine, which grossed over $1.3 billion globally in 2024, Reynolds is leveraging the momentum to explore new storytelling opportunities. The third Deadpool film, which marked the franchise's first outing under Disney's Marvel Studios, proved that the irreverent, R-rated tone of Deadpool could thrive within the MCU. Now, Reynolds is eyeing a project that would expand the scope to include X-Men characters, potentially building on the multiversal framework established in Deadpool & Wolverine.
This potential project is distinct from a separate potential X-Men movie currently being written by Hunger Games scribe Michael Lesslie for Marvel Studios, indicating that the studio is pursuing multiple avenues to expand its mutant roster.
Details about the project remain scarce, as it is still in the preliminary phases. No director, writer, or specific X-Men characters have been confirmed, but the film is expected to retain the signature humor and meta-commentary that have defined the Deadpool series. The inclusion of X-Men characters could pave the way for fan-favorite mutants to join the MCU, following the tease of a wider mutant presence in projects like Avengers: Secret Wars.
Reynolds, who also serves as a producer and writer on the Deadpool films, is said to be working closely with Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige to ensure the project aligns with the MCU's broader vision. The success of Deadpool & Wolverine, which reintroduced Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine to audiences, has set a high bar, and fans are eager to see which mutants might join Wade Wilson in his next adventure.
Reynolds’ Preference for Team-Ups Over Solo Deadpool Films
Reynolds has expressed a clear preference for ensemble-driven stories over a standalone Deadpool film. His vision for Deadpool has consistently involved crossovers with the X-Men universe, a trend evident across all three Deadpool movies. Characters like Colossus (Stefan Kapičić) have been staples of the franchise, while Deadpool & Wolverine reintroduced mutants such as Sabretooth (Tyler Mane) and Pyro (Aaron Stanford).
Reynolds also gave Channing Tatum’s Gambit a prominent role in the third film, reviving the character after Tatum’s solo Gambit project at Fox fell apart. Notably, Tatum’s Gambit is slated to appear in Avengers: Doomsday, though Reynolds and Hugh Jackman have not yet been confirmed for the ensemble film. This history underscores Reynolds’ commitment to weaving Deadpool into broader mutant narratives rather than pursuing a solo venture.
As Marvel Studios continues to expand its multiverse narrative, this Deadpool and X-Men team-up could serve as a bridge between Fox’s legacy and the MCU’s future. For now, the project remains in development, with no release date announced.
