Ryan Reynolds may have found the most Deadpool way possible to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
During this year's San Diego Comic-Con presentation, the actor unexpectedly appeared as Wade Wilson, once again bringing the Merc with a Mouth into the spotlight while jokingly attempting to secure a role in the upcoming Marvel Studios film Avengers: Doomsday (2026).
Despite appearing in one of Marvel's biggest recent successes, Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), neither title character has been announced for a return in the upcoming MCU ensemble film.
However, Reynolds' surprise appearance at SDCC has reignited speculation about whether Wade Wilson could eventually join Marvel's next major crossover event.
Several Avengers: Doomsday cast members appeared during Marvel's Hall H presentation alongside directors Anthony Russo and Joe Russo and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige. The surprise arrival of Reynolds, dressed in a gray Deadpool suit inspired by the X-Force comics, quickly became one of the biggest moments of the event.
The Hollywood Reporter shared footage of Reynolds' appearance on X (Twitter), writing:
Ryan Reynolds dresses up as #Deadpool during the Hall H presentation at #SDCC asking the #AvengersDoomsday cast if they need any last minute additions
Ryan Reynolds dresses up as #Deadpool during the Hall H presentation at #SDCC asking the #AvengersDoomsday cast if they need any last minute additions pic.twitter.com/YLYyHChMc7
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) July 26, 2026
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Naturally, Deadpool's attempt to join the team was filled with the kind of humor fans have come to expect from the character. But while the appearance was clearly played for laughs, it also highlighted one of fans' biggest questions: when will Deadpool return to the MCU?
Is Deadpool Returning in Avengers: Doomsday?
Since Deadpool & Wolverine arrived in theaters in 2024, fans have wondered whether Wade Wilson (Reynolds) and Logan (Hugh Jackman) would become regular fixtures in the MCU.
The film became a massive success, earning $1.338 billion worldwide and becoming one of Marvel Studios' biggest releases. However, despite rumors and reports, Marvel has yet to officially confirm appearances from Ryan Reynolds or Hugh Jackman in Avengers: Doomsday.
The film's cast announcement revealed a huge lineup of returning heroes, including Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America, Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier, and Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova.
The movie also brings back several characters from Fox's X-Men universe, including Ian McKellen as Magneto, Patrick Stewart as Professor X, James Marsden as Cyclops, Rebecca Romijn as Mystique, Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler, and Kelsey Grammer as Beast.
Even Channing Tatum's Gambit, who debuted in Deadpool & Wolverine, has returned.
Yet Deadpool himself remains absent from the official lineup.
Meanwhile, reports of a potential fourth Deadpool film continue, with Reynolds having recently suggested that one might be coming soon.
Avengers: Doomsday will be released on December 18, 2026. The sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars, which will conclude Phase Six of the MCU, is scheduled to hit theaters on December 17, 2027.
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