Ryan Reynolds is reportedly working on a new ensemble film that may involve Deadpool alongside a handful of iconic X-Men characters. This time, however, the foul-mouthed anti-hero may take a backseat to the mutants, allowing them to shine in ways fans have never seen before.
According to sources close to the actor, Reynolds is in the early stages of writing a script that will bring Deadpool into a larger X-Men universe, but with a twist. Deadpool, typically the star of his own films, would reportedly be more of a supporting character, with three or four other X-Men characters taking center stage.
This approach could give the mutants more screentime, allowing them to be explored in unexpected and refreshing ways. Reynolds himself has reportedly expressed that this shift in focus could open up new creative possibilities for both Deadpool and the X-Men. In fact, a recent Hollywood Reporter article suggested that Reynolds is hoping this approach will allow the X-Men characters to be used in ways fans haven’t imagined before.
Ryan Reynolds Balances Family Life and His Deadpool Legacy
While Reynolds’ venture into a new Deadpool movie has sparked excitement, the actor has previously admitted that the role of Deadpool has taken a significant toll on his personal life. As a father of four, Reynolds revealed in an interview with Andrew Garfield for Variety’s Actors on Actors that his Deadpool role is not something he would easily revisit in a leading capacity.
The actor explained that playing Deadpool requires a massive time commitment, which often keeps him away from his family. “I kind of die inside when I see their faces and they do a sports thing or something and I missed it,” Reynolds shared. With his family taking precedence, the actor confessed that he couldn’t see himself fully committing to another standalone Deadpool film anytime soon.
But Reynolds isn’t ruling out the possibility of Deadpool appearing in other superhero projects, as long as it’s in a supporting role. “If he comes back, it’s gonna be in someone else’s movie,” he said. “Channing Tatum…I would happily be a fifth banana in his movie or anyone else.”
The Future of Deadpool and X-Men
This new direction for Deadpool may also create room for the mutants to have a greater presence in the MCU. Reynolds’ film would exist outside of the X-Men movie being written by Michael Lesslie for Marvel Studios, so fans could get two very different takes on the beloved characters.
But while Reynolds is excited about the potential of this project, he’s also clearly cautious about his return to the character that made him a household name. He has said that the best part of Deadpool’s character is his scarcity – the fact that his appearances feel like a pleasant surprise rather than a constant presence.
Deadpool’s Supporting Role and the X-Men’s Time to Shine
In Reynolds’ upcoming film, it’s clear that the actor is committed to putting the spotlight on the X-Men, giving them room to evolve and interact in ways fans have longed for. Here’s what we can expect:
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Deadpool’s minor role: The actor is reportedly hoping that by limiting Deadpool’s screentime, the other characters can shine. Reynolds, known for his quick wit and sarcastic humor, is often the center of attention in his films, but in this project, the other mutants may take charge.
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Focus on three or four X-Men: While no official characters have been confirmed yet, fans can expect familiar faces from the X-Men franchise. With Reynolds keeping Deadpool on the sidelines, expect a deeper exploration of some of the X-Men’s most beloved characters.
If Reynolds’ plan for a quieter Deadpool pans out, the movie could offer something fans have never seen before—mutants working together without Deadpool’s trademark chaos stealing the spotlight.
