New 'Deadpool' and 'Wolverine' Actors Replace Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman

Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) was a massive box office success for Marvel, raking in $1.3 billion worldwide. The film marked a high point for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has had a mixed post-Avengers: Endgame era on both the big screen and Disney+.

But despite its popularity, there are no clear plans to bring Ryan Reynolds’ “Merc with a Mouth” or Hugh Jackman’s adamantium-clawed mutant back to the MCU anytime soon.

The next big ensemble project, Avengers: Doomsday (2026), already boasts a stacked lineup. Directed by the Russo brothers (Infinity War, Endgame), the film will feature Tony Stark/Iron Man actor Robert Downey Jr. stepping into the role of Doctor Doom and includes returning favorites like Chris Hemsworth, Paul Rudd, Sebastian Stan, Tom Hiddleston, Florence Pugh, and Pedro Pascal, all reprising their roles as their respective characters.

X-Men veterans such as Patrick Stewart, Kelsey Grammer, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are also confirmed to be stepping back into their roles, along with Channing Tatum returning as Gambit from Deadpool & Wolverine.

Despite ongoing fan speculation, Reynolds and Jackman were notably absent from the Doomsday announcements earlier this year. Deadpool, in particular, would normally be a marquee name given the success of his last outing. However, elsewhere, Reynolds has suggested in interviews that he might step away from the role, calling it “time to hang up the suit for a bit,” though he has also indicated the character will likely return in some form.

Related: Deadpool and Wolverine Have Already Been Recast, as Ryan Reynolds Casts Doubt Over MCU Return

For now, that return is happening in gaming rather than film. “Deadpool VR” will feature Neil Patrick Harris as the voice of the Merc, with players navigating a chaotic, fourth-wall-breaking adventure across the Marvel universe. Similarly, a Wolverine game for PlayStation 5 is in development, though Jackman will not reprise the role, and details remain scarce.

As for the film side of things, there are currently no plans for a fourth Deadpool movie, and Wolverine’s place in the MCU is equally uncertain. Avengers: Doomsday is expected to close out the “Multiverse Saga” and set the stage for the “Mutant Saga,” leaving the door open for future possibilities—but it’s unclear if Reynolds or Jackman will return for this next era.

Meanwhile, Marvel’s slate continues to grow with projects like Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026), Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), Black Panther 3, Blade, and other untitled sequels. For now, fans may have to enjoy Deadpool and Wolverine in new media rather than on the big screen.

Would you like to see Deadpool and Wolverine return to the MCU? Let us know!