Is Deadpool Confirmed for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’? What Happened at D23

Marvel’s marketing strategy has mastered the art of the almost-confirmation, providing just enough hints to excite fans without fully committing to a yes or no. This tactic was evident once again at this year’s D23 event, where one of the internet’s beloved antiheroes found himself at the center of speculation.

‘Avengers: Doomsday’ has already gathered one of the largest ensembles in franchise history, uniting heroes from the Avengers, the X-Men, and the Fantastic Four. As a result, fans have been buzzing for months about who else might join the lineup before the film’s release.

The speculation intensified when Marvel kicked off the ‘Doomsday’ segment of its D23 panel with a surprise video message from Hugh Jackman, who expressed his desire to join the film. “I’d love to join, and I might be able to convince Ryan to appear,” Jackman said in the clip, referring to his longtime collaborator Ryan Reynolds.

At that moment, Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool character humorously interjected from off-screen, questioning why Marvel would need two more characters in a film that already boasts around twenty heroes. Eyewitness reports noted Deadpool telling Jackman to “follow the script,” turning the scene into a comedic spectacle rather than a straightforward confirmation.

Kevin Feige didn’t take the bait on stage, moving the panel along without officially inviting either actor into the film. Instead, he brought out Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, and Hayley Atwell to showcase new Doctor Doom footage. However, the timing of the skit has many fans convinced it was more than just a throwaway joke.

This wasn’t the first instance of this comedic routine. Just weeks earlier, Reynolds had crashed Marvel’s Hall H panel at Comic-Con, appearing in a gray X-Force suit under the alias “Ricky” while pleading for a role in ‘Doomsday’, only to be told by Downey Jr. that the film was already locked.

Repeating the same gag across two major Marvel promotional events in quick succession feels less like coincidence and more like a strategic tease. Some outlets have begun to treat the video as an unofficial confirmation that both Wolverine and Deadpool are secretly part of the film, even though Marvel has yet to make an official announcement.

There’s a clear financial incentive behind the excitement over this pairing. ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ grossed $1.3 billion globally, making it Marvel’s highest-grossing R-rated release to date, and Reynolds has confirmed that a sequel is currently in the works.

It’s also important to note that this isn’t the first time Jackman and Reynolds have engaged in this playful back-and-forth. The two have a well-documented history of publicly advocating for each other’s involvement in Marvel projects, a running joke that has become a signature move for the duo whenever a new MCU film is announced.

For now, Marvel’s official position remains unchanged: there has been no confirmed involvement of Deadpool or Wolverine in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’. However, with the Comic-Con stunt and the D23 video, the studio seems to be hinting at something, whether it’s a genuine cameo or simply another elaborate marketing ploy.

‘Avengers: Doomsday’ is directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and is set to hit theaters on December 18, bringing together one of the largest superhero ensembles ever assembled for a single film.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!