SPOILER ALERT: This article contains major spoilers for plot points, cameos and the ending of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” now playing in theaters.
After six years, Deadpool is finally back — and he’s not alone.
In addition to bringing back Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, who heroically and tragically died at the end of 2017’s “Logan,” Ryan Reynolds’ Merc With a Mouth is bringing an “Endgame”-level of cameos and references with him. Just like his previous two movies, Reynolds’ antihero breaks the fourth wall, but in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” he bulldozes through it.
A lot has changed since “Deadpool 2”: Disney acquired Fox, paving the way for Deadpool and the X-Men to officially enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and superhero movies have proliferated on the big and small screens, giving Deadpool a treasure trove of references to make. There have been a handful of X-Men cameos in the MCU so far — Patrick Stewart reprised his Professor X role in “Doctor Strange 2,” Kelsey Grammer was back as Beast in “The Marvels” and “WandaVision” had a cheeky Quicksilver nod — but “Deadpool & Wolverine” unleashes the fan service.
The first major cameo is from MCU legend Chris Evans. But instead of playing Captain America, he’s back as Johnny Storm, aka the Human Torch, from his first superhero role in Fox’s “Fantastic Four.” Like other discarded Fox characters, Johnny finds himself in the Void, where pre-Disney-acquisition characters are abandoned. He’s joined by Jennifer Garner’s Elektra, Wesley Snipes’ Blade, Dafne Keen’s X-23 and Channing Tatum’s Gambit, who never actually appeared in one of Fox’s X-Men movies but had long been rumored for a standalone.
A few other MCU characters pop up, including Jon Favreau’s Happy Hogan, the Hulk and Wunmi Mosaku’s Hunter B-15 from “Loki.” Then there are all the Deadpool and Wolverine variants: Henry Cavill cameos as Cavillrine; Reynolds’ wife Blake Lively voices Ladypool, Matthew McConaughey briefly voices Cowboy Deadpool; and Nathan Fillion is Headpool, a diembodied, floating head.
There are a ton of references to Reynolds’ and Jackman’s other projects, like “The Proposal” and “Music Man,” and the real-life, on-set drama between Reynolds and Snipes on “Blade: Trinity.” The film also repurposes old Fox and MCU footage, including a running joke about a tearful moment between Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and Deadpool that reuses a “Thor: The Dark World” scene.
See all the cameos and MCU references below.
Chris Evans as Human Torch
In 2022, Evans told Variety he wouldn’t be returning to the MCU. Well, Steve Rogers didn’t, at least. When audiences first get a glimpse of Evans in “Deadpool and Wolverine,” he flashes a red and white arm band, suggesting a return as his beloved Captain America. Deadpool excitedly anticipates the catchphrase “Avengers, assemble,” only to hear Evans exclaim, “Flame on!” Evans instead reprises his role as Johnny Storm from 2005’s “Fantastic Four” and its 2007 sequel, “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer “ (both distributed by 20th Century Fox). The fiery Human Torch will next be portrayed by “Stranger Things” alum Joseph Quinn in the MCU’s “The Fantastic Four.”
Jennifer Garner as Elektra
Garner first suited up as Elektra in 2003’s “Daredevil,” and again in 2005’s follow-up “Elektra.” She’s back for “Deadpool and Wolverine,” making a cheeky quip about the death of Daredevil (played by ex-husband Ben Affleck in the original film). “I’m sorry about Daredevil,” Deadpool says. Elektra shrugs it off.
Wesley Snipes as Blade
Snipes portrayed the titular character in 1998’s “Blade” and its two subsequent sequels. Reynolds and Snipes previously shared the screen in 2004’s “Blade: Trinity,” where they famously didn’t quite get along. Reynolds, who played Hannibal King, told IGN, “My personality is the polar opposite of Wesley. I never met Wesley, I only met Blade, and he is a method actor. Say what you want about that style of acting, I have the utmost respect for whatever it takes to get through this process.” It seems they’ve since made nice. At one point, Blade remarks, “There’s only one Blade. There’s only ever gonna be one Blade.” This is, of course, a reference to the upcoming MCU reboot of “Blade” with Mahershala Ali, which has faced significant delays in the development process.
Channing Tatum as Gambit
You’ll be forgiven if this one threw you for a loop – Tatum never actually played Gambit before. He and his producing partner, Reid Carolin, previously spent four years developing a raunchy stand-alone film for 20th Century Fox based on the “X-Men” mutant. The project became a casualty of Disney’s merger with Fox in 2019. “It was like losing a friend, because I was just so ready to play him,” Tatum told Variety in 2022. He left the door open for a return, though: “I would love to play Gambit. I don’t think we should direct it. I think that was hubris on our part.” He’s finally made that dream a reality, albeit as the butt of Deadpool’s many jokes (many of which surround his thick Cajun accent).
Dafne Keen as X-23
Keen first played Laura, otherwise known as X-23 in 2017’s “Logan” when she was just 11 years old. She’s a clone/daughter of Wolverine, who eventually gave his life for her at the end of the film (originally slated to be Hugh Jackman’s final performance in the role). “We went straight into this pretty intense scene. I know I was freaking out,” Keen told EW of her return. “As soon as they said, ‘Rolling!’ I really felt like we were back doing ‘Logan.’ It was like eight years hadn’t passed.”
Blake Lively as Ladypool
Reynolds’ real-life wife Blake Lively takes on the role of the ponytailed Lady Deadpool. In comic lore, Wanda Wilson takes on the Lady Deadpool title in Earth-3010. Lively seemingly leaned into the rumors at the film’s N.Y. premiere, donning a skin-tight red catsuit.
Matthew McConaughey as Cowboy Deadpool
The Deadpool Kid, or Cowboy Deadpool, is a western gun-slinging variant from Earth-1108. He made his first appearance in the 2010 comic “Deadpool: Merc with a Mouth #7.”
Nathan Fillion as Headpool
Headpool is a Deadpool variant from Earth-2149, reduced to only a bony head after surviving a zombie plague. He’s known as the “Merc with half a mouth,” since he’s missing part of his.
Ryan Reynolds as Nicepool
Nicepool is free of Deadpool’s unseemly scarring and battle-hardened attitude, enjoying a sunnier outlook on life with Dogpool/Mary Puppins by his side. Reynolds dons long, flowing brown locks and drives a Honda Odyssey, helping the film’s heroes save the day. Unfortunately for him, Deadpool’s wit isn’t the only thing missing – he also lacks Deadpool’s regenerative abilities, and gets his head blown to smithereens.
Happy Hogan
The head of security for Stark Industries and close friend to Tony Stark has appeared in several previous MCU projects, including all three “Iron Man” and “Spider-Man” films. Now, he’s seen screening Deadpool for a coveted role with the Avengers (to no avail). Favreau also directed the first two “Iron Man” movies.
Cavillrine
Henry Cavill is best known for his work with that otherbig superhero universe, playing Superman in several DC titles. He appeared in a post-credits scene of “Black Adam” in fall 2022, teasing a return of his Man of Steel and a forthcoming face-off with Dwayne Johnson’s anti-hero. Cavill confirmed he’d return to the role in an Oct. 2022 social media post, writing, “I wanted to make it official: I am back as Superman … Thank you for your support and thank you for your patience. I promise it will be rewarded.” That didn’t work out, though. Just over a month later, Warner Bros. and DC Studios announced James Gunn and Peter Safran as DC’s new bosses, who brought in David Corenswet to take over the role for the upcoming 2025 film “Superman.” Cavill had exited his starring role on Netflix’s “The Witcher,” presumably to free up his schedule for more Man of Steel. Now, he’s finally made the switch to the MCU, portraying a version of Wolverine in the multiverse.
Hulk vs. Wolverine
Wolverine’s first appearance famously came in issue 180 of “The Incredible Hulk,” and the two brutes have faced off dozens of times in the comics. Due to the complicated rights issues, the two heroes haven’t shared the screen in live-actin — until now. Deadpool runs into a Wolverine variant, dressed in his old-school brown-and-yellow suit, with the Hulk also making a cameo. The movie also recreates the famous comic cover of the Hulk’s face being reflected in Wolverine’s claws as they face off.
Short Wolverine Variant
In the Marvel comics, Wolverine is portrayed as a scrappy, stocky Canadian standing at 5’3’’, so when 6’2’’ Australian Hugh Jackman was originally cast, X-Men fans were skeptical he would do the short king justice. When Deadpool is searching for a Wolverine throughout the multiverse, he runs into a comically short, though comic-accurate, Logan in a bar, also portrayed by Jackman.
Patch
Deadpool runs into a Wolverine variant who resembles Patch, one of Logan’s comic-book alter-egos from an undercover mission in Madripoor. He conceals his identity with an eyepatch (maybe not the best disguise), looks sharp in a white tuxedo and can be seen in a seedy bar.
‘Fever Dream’ Wolverine
Wolverine has many famous Marvel comic book covers, but one of the most iconic features him tied to an X-shaped crucifix on top of a pile of skulls during the “Fever Dream” storyline. The evil Reavers savagely torture Wolverine and put his healing powers to the test, but he’s able to mentally overcome the punishment and free himself.
‘Age of Apocalypse’ Wolverine
In the famous “Age of Apocalypse” storyline from the comics, Wolverine is a freedom fighter in an alternate future ruled over by the supervillain mutant Apocalypse. After being experimented on by Dark Beast, this Wolverine gets nearly impenetrable skin, but one of his hands is lasered off in a fight with Cyclops. Deadpool meets this violent Wolverine, who wears his futuristic black-and-red costume, in a bloody alleyway fight.
Hunter B-15
“Loki” Season 1 introduced Wunmi Mosaku’s Hunter B-15, a TVA agent who ends up helping save the fraying multiverse timelines. She returns near the end of “Deadpool & Wolverine” to apprehend Mr. Paradox and catches the eye of Rob Delaney’s Peterpool.
Sabretooth
Sabretooth is Wolverine’s arch-nemesis, a powerful mutant and the alter-ego of Victor Creed. Tyler Mane previously took on the role in 2000’s “X-Men.” As he has very similar powers to Wolverine, their face-off could be one of epic proportions … or not. Their battle is short-lived in “Deadpool and Wolverine,” with Wolverine decapitating him with one smooth strike. Liev Schreiber then took on the role in 2009’s “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.”
Toad
Ray Park first played Toad/Mortimer Toynbee in 2000’s “X-Men,” during which he and Mystique abducted Senator Kelly. Toad, a member of the Brotherhood, has a strong prehensile tongue and enhanced agility.
Pyro
Alexander Burton portrayed Pyro in the 2000 film “X-Men,” but Aaron Stanford took on the role for the sequels “X2” (2003) and “X-Men: The Last Stand” (2006). “I think they made reference to Pyro being dead in the movies or something like that, so I got a nod out of it,” Stanford told EW of his return as the pyrokinetic. “I essentially just assumed that was it. I had done those movies, a lot of time had passed, and they were cherished memories. I didn’t believe that Pyro would be making any more appearances.”
Callisto
Callisto was a super-fast member of Magneto’s Brotherhood of Mutants in “X-Men: The Last Stand,” played by Dania Ramirez, who was killed in a fight with Storm. She appears as one of Cassandra Nova’s henchmen in the Void.
Alioth
First appearing in “Loki” Season 1, Alioth is a gargantuan, smoky monster that lives in the Void and consumes all of the variants the TVA throws away. Deadpool and Wolverine are able to escape Alioth’s massive maw, but all of the other variants in the Void aren’t so lucky.
Azazel
The devilish Azazel (Jason Flemyng) first appeared in “X-Men: First Class” and is able to teleport short distances, similar to the X-Men’s Nightcrawler. He’s one of Cassandra Nova’s evil enforcers in the Void.
Juggernaut
Vinnie Jones first brought the unstoppable Juggernaut to life in “X-Men: The Last Stand,” then the brute was recreated with CGI and Ryan Reynolds’ voice in “Deadpool 2.” The character returns with a new actor in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” and his super-strong, psychically impervious helmet plays a major role in the fight against Cassandra Nova.
Lady Deathstrike
In “X2,” Kelly Hu played the deadly Lady Deathstrike, who has long, adamantium nails, similar to Wolverine. The assassin reappears as a member of Cassandra Nova’s gang.
Psylocke
Psylocke first appeared in a minor role in “X-Men: The Last Stand” and was played by Meiling Melancon, but Olivia Munn took on the role in “X-Men: Apocalypse.” She uses a psychic energy blade in battle, and she pops up in the fight between Deadpool and Cassandra Nova’s forces.
The Russian
The Russian is a minor villain in 2004’s “The Punisher” and is played by wrestler Kevin Nash. He’s recognizable by his blue-and-red-striped shirt and can be seen in the Void battle.
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively’s Kids
Betty, James and Inez, best known as muses for Lively’s bestie Taylor Swift, also made their mark on “Deadpool and Wolverine.” James is credited as “screaming mutant,” Inez is Kidpool during the epic fight sequence, and Betty is credited as Hugh Jackman’s wrangler.
Captain America’s Shield
Cap’s shield is clearly visible in Happy’s office at the beginning of the movie, plus there is footage from the “Captain America” movies shown in the TVA.
Tony Stark’s Arc Reactor
Happy shows Deadpool the arc reactor from “Iron Man,” complete with the “proof that Tony Stark has a heart” written on it.
Pepper Potts’ Forbes Cover
Gwyneth Paltrow also makes a brief cameo – on a fake Forbes magazine cover – in Happy’s office.
The Fantasticar
The Fantastic Four’s famous flying car is being commandeered by Cassandra Nova’s henchmen, but you can clearly see the giant “4” on the front. It didn’t appear in any of Fox’s previous “Fantastic Four” movies, but perhaps Chris Evans’ Johnny Storm brought it into the Void from his universe.
The Milano
Peter Quill and the Guardians of the Galaxy’s Milano space ship seems to have crash landed in the Void.
A Sentinel’s Foot
The Sentinels are some of the X-Men’s most fearsome, and famous, robot villains, who are programmed to wipe out all mutants. They debuted in live-action in “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” and Deadpool and Wolverine latch onto a flying foot during their fight with Cassandra Nova.
Doctor Strange’s Cloak
Cassandra Nova mentions crossing paths with an “amateur magician,” and you can see the red edge of Doctor Strange’s flying cloak on her desk.
Ant-Man’s Giant Corpse
The “Deadpool & Wolverine” trailer revealed that Cassandra Nova’s hideout is actually inside the corpse of a giant-sized Ant-Man. The same massive dead body was also in the “Old Man Logan” comics, and the location was called “Pym Falls.”
Asgard Castle
Part of Thor’s mythical home of Asgard can be seen in the Void, with the same blocky skyscrapers visible in the dusty wasteland.
Black Order’s Q Ship
Thanos’ Black Order came down to Earth in giant, ring-shaped spaceships in “Avengers: Infinity War” – and Spider-Man even clung to the outside of one. Wreckage of the same ships can be seen in the Void.
Helicarrier
A crashed helicarrier, likely used by the now-defunct S.H.I.E.L.D. organization, appears in the Void.
20th Century Fox Logo
It’s impossible to miss, but Deadpool and Wolverine have their first fight in front of a giant, decrepit logo for 20th Century Fox – now simply called 20th Century Studios after the Disney acquisition.
Spider-Man’s Thwips
Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield’s versions of Spider-Man already crossed into the MCU in “No Way Home,” which may have given Deadpool the idea to try shooting webs while driving with Wolverine. In the passenger seat, Deadpool does the same “thwip” motion that Spidey is known for.
Chitauri Leviathan
The corpse of a giant, flying Chitauri Leviathan, which attacked New York in “Avengers” and was part of Thanos’ army in “Endgame,” can be seen in the Void.
Tony Stark’s Hot Rod
In a quick shot, one of Cassandra Nova’s henchmen is driving Tony Stark’s 1932 Ford Flathead Roadster, which appeared in his garage in the first two “Iron Man” movies, through the Void.
Deadpool’s Chimichanga Truck
In the comics, Deadpool has a strange obsession with Mexican chimichangas — or, at least how the word “chimichangas” sounds. He’s oftentimes seen driving a delivery truck, and many chimichanga-themed toys have popped up over the years. One of the trucks can be seen in Cassandra Nova’s fleet driving through the Void.
Liefeld’s Just Feet
Eagle-eyed fans spotted a store called Liefeld’s Just Feet in the background of the “Deadpool & Wolverine” trailer. The name is a reference to Deadpool creator Rob Liefeld and how fans have joked about his inability to draw feet in his comics. Liefeld posted on X that he approved the joke last year, and wrote “Being poked at by the premiere funny man/mega-star of his age is an absolute honor! Make no doubt that this is a thrill and an honor.”
Article: Moreau, J. & Stephan, K. (Friday, July 26, 2024). 45 ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Cameos and Easter Eggs From the X-Men, MCU and Beyond. Variety. https://variety.com/lists/deadpool-and-wolverine-cameos-easter-eggs/chris-evans-human-torch/