Preparations Being Made To Replace Deadpool in the MCU

Marvel has made some unusual choices lately, and fans have taken notice. From reshuffled release schedules to scrapped projects, the studio seems to be experimenting more than ever.

But now, rumors suggest an even bigger change may be brewing—one that could impact one of Marvel’s most beloved and least family-friendly heroes. Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool, the snarky antihero who single-handedly revived the R-rated superhero genre, may soon have some competition—or worse, a replacement.

For years, Deadpool has been the wild card in Marvel’s increasingly controlled universe. However, with the studio exploring the darker corners of its catalog, many fans believe Marvel is preparing to introduce a new lineup of gritty, violent, and unapologetically brutal characters who could carry the same R-rated torch.

Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) reading a letter — Credit: 20th Century Studios

The Legacy of Deadpool

When Deadpool (2016) hit theaters, it was a game-changer. The film’s crude humor, over-the-top violence, and fourth-wall-breaking chaos became instant fan favorites. Its sequel, Deadpool 2 (2018), only doubled down on the formula, cementing Ryan Reynolds as the perfect fit for the role.

Fast forward to Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), which shattered expectations with over $1.3 billion at the global box office—proving that audiences have an appetite for mature, unfiltered superhero chaos.

That kind of success raises a question: where does Marvel go from here? Can the studio expand its universe of misfits and mercenaries while maintaining the same edge that made Deadpool work so well? Or is it time to bring in other heroes who can thrive under an R-rated spotlight?

Opening the Door for a Darker Marvel

There’s an apparent demand for more grotesque, unfiltered humor and brutal storytelling. Fans are ready for a Marvel landscape that doesn’t shy away from blood, psychological horror, or moral ambiguity. Thankfully, the comics offer no shortage of candidates who could fill Deadpool’s shoes. Some are antiheroes, some are villains, and others toe the line somewhere in between—but all could carve out a thrilling, R-rated niche in the MCU.

L to R: Logan/Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) and Wade Wilson/Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) getting ready for battle — Credit: Marvel Studios

Silver Samurai

When a villain’s profile includes crimes like decapitation, mutilation, torture, and terrorism, you know the gore comes with the package. Silver Samurai’s motivation is dark but straightforward—a craving for immortality, even if it means stealing Wolverine’s healing ability by any means necessary. Their clash is legendary: two warriors bound by honor, rage, and a trail of blood.

With his high-tech adamantium armor and sword, Silver Samurai could be the perfect addition to Marvel’s darker future. His mix of cultural heritage and lethal precision would add something entirely new—an honorable, brutal edge that expands Marvel’s global reach while satisfying fans of violent, grounded storytelling.

A silver-armored figure attacks a man with long blond hair, shooting blue electricity from their arm. The armored figure says, "Assuming you make it back to your school after I've hacked you full of holes… Deadpool sends his regards!. — Credit: Marvel Comics

Sabretooth

Imagine Wolverine—only meaner, hairier, and far less moral. Sabretooth has always been one of the most savage figures in the X-Men universe. His backstory is disturbing: a man who kills members of his own family and annually hunts his brother for sport.

He’s appeared in several X-Men movies before, but never with the depth or savagery fans know from the comics. With Marvel’s new openness to R-rated projects, Sabretooth could finally take center stage as a main antagonist—or even a twisted protagonist. His brutal feud with Wolverine could rival anything Deadpool has dished out, blending emotional trauma with unrelenting action.

A muscular, menacing comic book character with wild blond hair, sharp fangs, and blood on his lips snarls with clawed hands raised—a look reminiscent of Robert Downey Jr.’s intense on-screen presence. He wears a fur-lined costume with orange and black stripes. — Credit: Marvel Comics

Omega Red

Then there’s Omega Red, a true monster forged from Cold War nightmares. A mutant who secretes lethal “death spores,” he drains life from his victims using carbonadium tentacles. His origin is the stuff of horror: a violent child turned killer, later weaponized by the Russian government.

His body constantly fights off carbonadium poisoning, forcing him to hunt Wolverine and others for the key to survival. It’s a grim, tragic loop—perfect for a mature Marvel story. A confrontation between Omega Red, Wolverine, and Sabretooth would be an R-rated spectacle fans would never forget.

A menacing character with long, wild hair, a red headband, and white face paint snarls fiercely. Sporting Deadpool-inspired heavy armor and large metal shoulder pads, mechanical tentacles extend from his back against a dark, fiery backdrop. — Credit: Marvel Comics

Midnight Sons

If Marvel really wants to expand into darker territory, look no further than the Midnight Sons. The supernatural squad—featuring Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), Blade (Mahershala Ali), and Ghost Rider—has the potential to introduce full-blown horror into the MCU. In the comics, the group forms to battle Lilith, the Mother of Demons, unleashing a wave of hellish chaos.

An R-rated Midnight Sons film could blend blood, demons, and black magic, delivering something far removed from Marvel’s polished superhero formula. Fans have waited years for this ensemble, and with projects like Blade and Moon Knight already setting the tone, the time seems right.

A group of Marvel comic characters, including Deadpool, Ghost Rider with a flaming skull, Blade with a sword, and others, stand together in dramatic poses against a colorful, swirling background while having a conversation. — Credit: Marvel Comics

Carnage

No one embodies unrestrained chaos quite like Carnage. The murderous symbiote, bonded with serial killer Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson), was toned down in Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021), but the MCU could fix that mistake. With a piece of the symbiote left behind in Spider-Man: No Way Home, the door is wide open for a new, blood-soaked reintroduction.

Carnage represents everything Deadpool fans love—unpredictability, gore, and dark humor—but with a far more terrifying twist. He’s the kind of character that could make even Deadpool nervous.

Carnage from 'Venom 2' in a dimly lit alley — Credit: Sony Pictures

Taskmaster

Fans are still reeling from how Taskmaster (Olga Kostyantynivna Kurylenko) was handled in Black Widow (2021). With her abrupt death in Thunderbolts (2025), one of Marvel’s most interesting characters was seemingly wasted. A rebooted version of Tony Masters’ Taskmaster, however, could thrive in an R-rated environment.

His photographic reflexes allow him to copy any fighting style perfectly—except Deadpool’s, which makes for the ultimate challenge. Giving Taskmaster a fresh start would not only redeem the character but also deliver a cunning, cerebral counterpart to Deadpool’s madness.

A menacing comic book character with a skull mask, glowing orange eyes, and a hooded cloak holds a shield and sword. The caption reads, "The man calls himself Taskmaster—he's a mimic of sorts, even rivaling Deadpool’s unpredictable moves. — Credit: Marvel Comics

Ghost Rider

Fans haven’t forgotten Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s take on Ghost Rider. But with a Midnight Sons movie, the Spirit of Vengeance could blaze back into action. A darker, film-level Ghost Rider story would let Marvel finally embrace full-on horror—flaming skulls, demonic vengeance, and motorcycle mayhem included.

Where Deadpool uses sarcasm and swords, Ghost Rider brings hellfire and justice. That contrast could make him the natural successor to Marvel’s edgiest antihero crown.

A flaming skull character with fiery eyes and a wide-open mouth, wearing a dark leather jacket, is shown against a dark background. Flames are emanating from the character's head and shoulders, creating an intense and dramatic visual effect. — Credit: Fox

Blade

The hype for Blade has been relentless since Mahershala Ali’s casting. Despite delays, excitement hasn’t faded. His cameo in Eternals (2021) set the stage for a bloody, gothic reboot filled with vampires, corruption, and moral complexity.

If Deadpool represents chaos through humor, Blade channels it through intensity. A full-fledged Blade movie is sure to give Marvel its next great R-rated icon—one who’s just as deadly, but far more serious.

Blade screaming as he rushes in with swords — Credit: Marvel Comics

The Punisher

Jon Bernthal’s Punisher has become a fan favorite, even in limited appearances. His upcoming Disney+ Special Presentation (2026) could finally give fans what they’ve wanted for years—a no-holds-barred Punisher story that isn’t watered down.

A female Punisher variant has also surfaced in recent concept art, suggesting Marvel may be open to pushing this character even further. Few antiheroes can match Frank Castle’s ruthlessness, and if Deadpool’s reign ends, Punisher is ready to take the throne.

Jon Bernthal as The Punisher in a orange-lit warehouse — Credit: Marvel Studios

Moon Knight

Moon Knight introduced audiences to a fractured, brutal hero—but fans still crave the comic-level violence the show teased. Whether Oscar Isaac returns for a sequel or a Midnight Sons crossover, Moon Knight could easily anchor Marvel’s darker phase.

A chaotic blend of Egyptian mythology, psychological torment, and martial brutality, Moon Knight could continue what Deadpool started—pushing the MCU into uncharted territory where humor and horror coexist.

Oscar Isaac in his Mr. Moon Knight suit in the Disney+ 'Moon Knight' series — Credit: Marvel Studios

Wolverine

Finally, there’s Wolverine. Hugh Jackman’s return in Deadpool & Wolverine reignited excitement for the clawed mutant, and fans are still hoping for a proper solo MCU story. Whether through Jackman or a younger variant, Wolverine is the perfect bridge between Deadpool’s wildness and Marvel’s new gritty ambitions.

A New Era Dawns

Deadpool isn’t gone—at least not yet—but Marvel’s preparing for something bigger: a universe where brutality, blood, and moral conflict aren’t off-limits. The studio seems ready to evolve beyond its clean-cut heroes.

If these darker icons are any indication, Marvel’s next chapter won’t just be about saving the world—it’ll be about surviving it.