All the major ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ cameos, explained

All the major 'Deadpool & Wolverine' cameos, explained

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some truly extraordinary individuals throughout my career as a journalist, and none have left as lasting an impression as Jennifer Garner’s Elektra or Wesley Snipes’ Blade.


As a dedicated fan of superhero movies and comic books, I’ve seen my fair share of spoilers before actually watching or reading the source material. It’s always disappointing when a surprise twist is given away beforehand, ruining the excitement and anticipation. That being said, I understand that some people might want to discuss the plot points of a story with others who have already experienced it.

Marvel’s Merc with a Mouth is back — and he brought more than a few friends with him.

Six long years have passed since Ryan Reynolds last portrayed Deadpool in a movie, but starting this Friday, Marvel’s wisecracking antihero is back in “Deadpool & Wolverine.” As suggested by the title, Hugh Jackman reprises his role as “X-Men'” grumpy Wolverine in this film. Essentially, it’s a sort of reunion for these characters: Reynolds initially appeared alongside Jackman (but without the red suit) in 2009’s “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.”

In more straightforward terms, since “Deadpool 2” came out in 2018, a lot has happened for Deadpool. Most significantly, Disney bought Fox in 2019, which meant that Deadpool and other Marvel characters like the X-Men became part of Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe. As a result, “Deadpool 3” incorporates the MCU’s multiverse concept and includes appearances by several Marvel characters previously seen in Fox’s movies.

In “Deadpool & Wolverine,” you’ll find several familiar faces from the X-Men series. For instance, there’s Pyro (Aaron Stanford), who was aptly named in “X-Men” (2000) and “X2” (2003). Also present are longtime Wolverine adversaries Sabretooth (Tyler Mane) from “X-Men,” and Lady Deathstrike (Kelly Hu) from “X2.” Additionally, other notorious mutant antagonists make an appearance, such as Toad, Azazel, and Juggernaut.

Additionally, you’ll find many other cameos featuring known actors from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as well as some unexpected guests.

As a long-time fan of Marvel Comics and someone who has followed the cinematic universe since its inception, I can’t help but be thrilled by the many cameos of Deadpool and Wolverine throughout the movies. Let me take you on a journey through some of their most memorable appearances (Spoiler Alert: If you haven’t seen these films yet, now is your last chance to turn back).

Johnny Storm

All the major 'Deadpool & Wolverine' cameos, explained
All the major 'Deadpool & Wolverine' cameos, explained

Prior to Chris Evans donning the Captain America shield, he initiated his superhero journey as a part of Marvel’s pioneer team, the Fantastic Four. In the year 2005, Evans portrayed Johnny Storm, also known as the Human Torch, in the film “Fantastic Four” and its sequel “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.” This rendition of the superhero squad was comprised of Ioan Gruffudd as Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), Jessica Alba as Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), and Michael Chiklis as Ben Grimm (the Thing). The Fantastic Four acquired their extraordinary abilities following their encounter with cosmic energy in space.

In the latest movie, Deadpool and Wolverine find themselves possibly teaming up with Johnny (played by X), who emerges as a potential adversary to the psychic antagonist Cassandra Nova, portrayed by Emma Corrin.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe version of the Fantastic Four, Pedro Pascal takes on the role of Reed, Vanessa Kirby portrays Sue, Johnny is played by Joseph Quinn, and Ben is brought to life by Ebon Moss-Bachrach.

Laura / X-23

All the major 'Deadpool & Wolverine' cameos, explained
All the major 'Deadpool & Wolverine' cameos, explained

In the movie trailer, it’s hinted that “Deadpool & Wolverine” brings back Dafne Keen as Laura from the 2017 film “Logan.” This character, known as X-23, was produced through an experiment using Wolverine’s DNA. Consequently, her abilities and certain traits mirror those of her father figure. At the time of “Logan”’s production, Keen was only eleven years old. Her acting was lauded by critics – Kenneth Turan from The Times labeled her a “standout newcomer” in his review – and she gained a devoted following in Fox’s adult-oriented “X-Men” series.

Deadpool and Wolverine meet X-23 as part of a team that has been fighting against Cassandra.

Elektra

All the major 'Deadpool & Wolverine' cameos, explained
All the major 'Deadpool & Wolverine' cameos, explained

Before introducing “X-Men” and “Fantastic Four,” Fox produced films featuring the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen. In 2003, Jennifer Garner made her debut as Elektra in “Daredevil,” where Ben Affleck played Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer with a secret identity as a vigilante. Garner portrayed the deadly assassin Elektra, who is both Daredevil’s lover and enemy, armed with sais. She reprised her role in “Elektra” (2005), focusing on the title character as a hired gun. (Garner and Affleck, who were an item offscreen, were married from 2005 to 2018; their divorce is subtly referenced in the film.)

Elektra is part of the team that agrees to help Deadpool and Wolverine along with X-23.

Blade

All the major 'Deadpool & Wolverine' cameos, explained
All the major 'Deadpool & Wolverine' cameos, explained

Wesley Snipes played the role of Blade, a vampire hunter, in a series of three movies: “Blade” (1998), “Blade II” (2002), and “Blade: Trinity” (2004). In these films, Reynolds co-starred with him. Blade is a unique character, half human and half vampire, born from his mother’s pregnancy after she was attacked by vampires. To control his own bloodlust, he requires a special serum. New Line Cinema produced and distributed the “Blade” films, which is currently under Warner Bros. Discovery.

In the movie, there’s a lone character going by the name of Blade, who’s joined by a motley crew consisting of X-23 and Elektra.

In the year 2019, it was revealed that Mahershala Ali had been chosen to portray Blade in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s revival of this character. Following some artistic adjustments, the “Blade” production is projected to hit cinemas around 2025.

Gambit

All the major 'Deadpool & Wolverine' cameos, explained

After much anticipation, Channing Tatum finally takes on the role of Gambit in “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Previously, Tatum had been linked to a standalone “X-Men” film based on Remy LeBeau’s Ragin’ Cajun character. However, this project was unfortunately scrapped following Disney’s acquisition of Fox. In 2014, it was revealed that Tatum would join the X-Men universe as Gambit in a future project. A “Gambit” movie was initially planned for release in 2016, but encountered numerous setbacks and ultimately got canceled in 2019.

As a passionate film buff, I’d put it this way: When assembling with Deadpool and Wolverine to take down Cassandra, I found myself an unexpected addition to the team. And that was none other than Gambit, bearing his electrifying deck of cards.

Henry Cavill and Blake Lively make cameo appearances in “Deadpool & Wolverine” as alternate versions of the main characters. Cavill, known for playing Superman in another superhero series, takes on the role of a Wolverine equivalent. Lively, whose visage is not shown on screen, is Reynolds’ wife and is given credit as Lady Deadpool.

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2024-07-26 14:01

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