Ryan Reynolds has expressed skepticism about Deadpool joining the Avengers or X-Men, stating that such a move would signal the character’s narrative conclusion.

Following the massive success of Deadpool & Wolverine, where Deadpool repeatedly voiced his desire to join the Avengers, fans speculated that Marvel Studios might integrate the 'Merc with a Mouth' with heroes like Captain America or Professor X in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday.

Last month’s Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal featured a strong lineup of X-Men veterans. Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are all confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday, signaling a significant X-Men presence. Grammer, known for playing Beast in the Fox X-Men franchise, debuted in the MCU via The Marvels' post-credits scene. Stewart, who portrayed Charles Xavier/Professor X in the X-Men series, appeared briefly in the MCU in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as an Illuminati member. McKellen (Magneto), Cumming (Nightcrawler), Romijn (Mystique), and Marsden (Cyclops) have yet to appear in the MCU. This raises the question: is Avengers: Doomsday shaping up as an Avengers vs. X-Men film?

However, Reynolds’ name was absent from the extensive list of stars confirmed for the superhero epic, though Channing Tatum, who played Gambit in Deadpool & Wolverine, was included. Reynolds’ recent comments suggest Deadpool won’t officially join the Avengers or X-Men.

“If Deadpool becomes an Avenger or an X-Man, that’s the end of his story,” Reynolds told Time. “Granting that wish would resolve his arc too neatly.”

Still, Reynolds hinted that a surprise cameo as Deadpool in a supporting role could work, citing the positive fan response to Wesley Snipes’ Blade cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine.

So, what’s next for Deadpool? Reynolds shared that he’s writing a new project featuring an “ensemble,” though he remained tight-lipped on details.

“I’m working on a new piece now, something with an ensemble feel,” Reynolds said. “But I like keeping Deadpool somewhat isolated.”

This could point to another Deadpool film packed with cameos, similar to Deadpool & Wolverine. Perhaps Snipes’ Blade could return, and Channing Tatum seems eager to reprise Gambit. Other characters from the film, like Jennifer Garner’s Elektra and Dafne Keen’s Laura Kinney/X-23, might also appear.

Deadpool & Wolverine: Easter Eggs, Cameos, and References

What do we know about Avengers: Doomsday? Beyond the cast, details remain scarce. Earlier this month, Anthony Mackie, who will return as Sam Wilson/Captain America, said he believes Avengers: Doomsday will “recapture that classic Marvel vibe fans love.”

Mackie joins other Doomsday cast members like Ant-Man’s Paul Rudd and Human Torch’s Joseph Quinn in discussing the upcoming Marvel blockbuster. A recent Avengers: Doomsday set photo leak has sparked intense speculation among MCU fans, with some suggesting it could spell trouble for the X-Men.

Fans have also theorized that Oscar Isaac might appear as Moon Knight in Avengers after he withdrew from this month’s Star Wars Celebration, citing “changes in his production schedule.”

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige clarified that the Avengers livestream didn’t reveal the full Doomsday cast, stating, “We showcased many, but not all,” during a CinemaCon video call.