A single spray-painted “A” on the Avengers logo sent shockwaves through the Marvel fandom. Ryan Reynolds sparked intense speculation about Deadpool joining Avengers: Doomsday after sharing the provocative image on Instagram without a caption. The post, coupled with a subsequent Instagram Story photo hinting at a potential film set, has fans convinced the Merc with a Mouth might slice his way into Marvel’s next mega-team-up. This tease arrives amid ongoing production (and rumored rewrites) for Doomsday, following the monumental success of Deadpool and Wolverine, which shattered R-rated records and became one of history’s highest-grossing films.

The burning question now: Could Wade Wilson finally crash the Avengers party? Reynolds’ history of playful online teases fuels the fire, but his past statements add intriguing complexity. “The character trait I love most about Deadpool is that he’s a fanboy. His enthusiasm and longing to be part of a team is really endearing to me,” Reynolds told The Hollywood Reporter in late 2024. Yet, he cautioned, “I don’t think he should ever be an Avenger or an X-Man. If he becomes either, we’re at the end… He always needs to stay an outsider.”

Is Deadpool Joining Avengers: Doomsday?

The evidence, while circumstantial, is compelling. Reynolds’ Instagram post features the classic Avengers emblem defaced with a vibrant red “A” – a signature Deadpool flourish. Fans quickly linked the vandalism to Earth-138’s anarchist Avengers in Marvel Comics or even Cassandra Nova’s flag from Deadpool and Wolverine. The timing is crucial: Doomsday filming is underway, and Reynolds’ simultaneous Instagram Story photo suggested he might be on set. This aligns with reports of other Fox X-Men veterans like Patrick Stewart (Professor X), James Marsden (Cyclops), and Ian McKellen (Magneto) joining the massive cast. With recent MCU entries like Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts underperforming, Marvel might see Reynolds’ wildly popular anti-hero as a strategic boost for their pivotal Avengers installment.

Reynolds’ prior reluctance about Deadpool becoming a full-fledged Avenger focused on preserving the character’s core identity. “His coping mechanism of deflecting shame through humor works only when used to pave over his many inadequacies,” he explained to The Hollywood Reporter. “If and when he does become an Avenger or X-Man, we’re at the end of his journey.” This suggests any Doomsday appearance would likely be a cameo or temporary alliance, keeping Deadpool on the chaotic fringes rather than handing him an official membership card. The narrative potential is rich – imagine Deadpool’s fourth-wall-breaking commentary amidst a universe-ending crisis.

What Ryan Reynolds’ Tease Means for the MCU

Beyond confirming a potential cameo, Reynolds’ post raises deeper questions about Doomsday‘s direction. The inclusion of legacy Fox X-Men actors points toward significant multiversal elements. Could Reynolds’ red “A” hint at the film adapting the anarchist Avengers storyline? Or does it signal Deadpool’s disruptive influence on the main MCU timeline following the events of his recent film? Marvel Studios, led by Kevin Feige, remains tight-lipped. Reynolds himself has offered no clarification beyond his enigmatic posts, maintaining his trademark coyness. Industry observers note that integrating Deadpool, even briefly, could provide the box-office jolt Doomsday needs after recent struggles. It also offers a natural bridge to explore the X-Men’s full integration into the MCU, potentially fulfilling Deadpool’s “fanboy” dreams in his own irreverent way – without fully letting him join the club.

The prospect of Deadpool colliding with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in Avengers: Doomsday is no longer just fan wishful thinking – Reynolds’ calculated tease makes it a tangible, thrilling possibility. While the Merc’s exact role remains shrouded in mystery, his potential involvement promises the chaotic energy and record-breaking appeal Marvel desperately needs. Stay tuned for official updates, and explore our guides to every upcoming MCU movie and the 2025 movie calendar for more Marvel insights.

Must Know

Q: What exactly did Ryan Reynolds post about Avengers: Doomsday?
A: Reynolds shared an image of the Avengers logo spray-painted with a large red “A” on Instagram without a caption. He also posted a separate photo on his Instagram Story that fans believe shows him on a film set, fueling speculation he’s involved in Doomsday.

Q: Has Ryan Reynolds confirmed Deadpool is in Avengers: Doomsday?
A: No. Reynolds has not officially confirmed Deadpool’s involvement. Marvel Studios and Reynolds remain silent on the meaning of the post, maintaining the mystery.

Q: Why do fans think Deadpool shouldn’t be an Avenger?
A: Reynolds himself has argued Deadpool’s core appeal lies in his outsider status and longing for acceptance. Making him a full Avenger could undermine his comedic, chaotic persona and mark a natural endpoint for the character’s journey.

Q: Which other X-Men actors are rumored for Avengers: Doomsday?
A: Reports suggest Patrick Stewart (Professor X), James Marsden (Cyclops), and Ian McKellen (Magneto) – all veterans from the original Fox X-Men films – are set to appear, indicating major multiverse elements.

Q: When will Avengers: Doomsday be released?
A: Avengers: Doomsday is currently scheduled for release in May 2026. Production is ongoing.

Q: How successful was Deadpool and Wolverine?
A: Deadpool and Wolverine (2024) was a massive hit, breaking multiple R-rated box office records and becoming one of the highest-grossing films ever made, according to industry tracking.