In a cinematic universe where surprises are expected, Deadpool & Wolverine takes it a notch higher by weaving a multiverse of cameos and unexpected appearances. Director Shawn Levy, along with Ryan Reynolds, managed to rally an impressive roster of Fox-era Marvel stars, sparking a nostalgic wave for fans and setting the internet abuzz. Through a series of personal outreach efforts, a host of stars were convinced to return to their iconic roles, bringing a delightful blend of past and present Marvel characters onto the screen.
Shawn Levy Comments On Chris Evans, Wesley Snipes’ Blade Appearance
Chris Evans as The Human Torch. Image Credit: 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios
The inception of this ensemble cast began with something as simple as text messages. Shawn Levy revealed in an interview with Variety that he and Ryan Reynolds initiated contact with major stars like Chris Evans, Jennifer Garner, Wesley Snipes, and Channing Tatum, persuading them to join the cast of Deadpool & Wolverine. These actors reprised their roles from earlier Marvel films, such as Evans as Johnny Storm, Garner as Elektra, Snipes as Blade, and Tatum as Gambit—a character whose standalone film never materialized.
Despite the years since these actors last donned their superhero costumes, Levy noted that little convincing was required. “With pretty much no exceptions, every surprise casting in this movie came down to Ryan or I reaching out to the actor before lawyers and before agents [were involved],” Levy shared, underscoring the personal nature of these invitations.
One of the notable inclusions was Wesley Snipes’ return as Blade. This idea, Ryan Reynolds believed, would explore themes of legacy and the enduring impact of characters. Reynolds remarked, “Blade never really got that moment, and I think people don’t even realize how much they miss Wesley Snipes as Blade until they see him. Let’s give them that feeling.” This reverence for Snipes’ legacy played a crucial role in his return, emphasizing that it was not intended as a joke but as a tribute to his iconic character.
Shawn Levy Talks About All The Rumors And How They Handled Those In The Movie
Lady Deadpool. Image Credit: Marvel Entertainment
The film also navigated the tricky waters of humor with care. Notably, jokes regarding Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck’s divorce were handled delicately. Levy assured that no joke made it into the movie without the involved actors’ approval. “We never did a joke about or with anyone that we didn’t run by them first,” he emphasized. This ensured that all humor was taken in a playful spirit, maintaining respect and avoiding any offense.
Addressing the myriad of rumors, including the potential cameo by Taylor Swift, Levy clarified that these were unfounded. “That was one of the loudest rumors that came out of nowhere. It was never true. Thank you, internet, for building such a smokescreen of rumors and half-truths,” he commented, appreciating how these rumors kept actual surprises intact.
Although Ben Affleck’s Daredevil was briefly considered in the initial planning stages, it never progressed beyond preliminary discussions. The film, however, included a tribute reel featuring numerous Fox-era Marvel characters, serving as a heartfelt homage to the actors and their contributions to the Marvel legacy.
Regarding the possibility of Lady Deadpool’s unmasking, Levy stated that it was never part of the plan, leaving the door open for future explorations. While the film stands as a self-contained story, it keeps future possibilities open without explicitly setting up sequels. Levy concluded with a hint of future potential, “It’s definitely not a promise. We also wanted this to be a standalone movie that leaves everything possible but serves no next movie. It is not a setup to anything, so we’ll see what happens.”
Deadpool & Wolverine is a masterful blend of legacy, humor, and nostalgia, brought together by Shawn Levy and Ryan Reynolds‘ visionary efforts to nail it altogether. The marvel blockbuster not only pays homage to the past but also creates new possibilities for Marvel storytelling that might lead to another Deadpool franchise installment of the character’s appearance other projects.
Deadpool & Wolverine is showing in theaters.
