Deadpool 3 director says sequel will pay tribute to the 20th Century Fox era of Marvel

Before the Marvel Cinematic Universe reigned supreme, the biggest comic-book movies came from 20th Century Fox. Of course, Disney acquired the studio several years ago, bringing those movies and characters into the house of mouse. For those of us who remain fond of the early days of Fox’s Marvel movies, Deadpool 3 director Shawn Levy has said that the upcoming threequel will certainly pay homage to that period.

“Deadpool and Wolverine are iconic Marvel characters; more specifically, iconic Marvel-of-the-Fox-era characters,” Shawn Levy told Total Film (via ComicBookMovie.com). “We’re not going to pretend: ‘Oh, we snap our fingers, and suddenly that Fox legacy doesn’t exist, and it shaped a lot of what we now know as the MCU.’ Fox also shaped Ryan’s career, Hugh’s career and my career. So there’s a lot of history there, and there’s a lot of Marvel history at Fox. And certainly that’s a part of our storytelling.“

Photos from the Deadpool 3 set have confirmed that 20th Century Fox will be referenced, and we know that Jennifer Garner will be reprising her role of Elektra. Rumours have pointed to other Marvel Fox characters making an appearance as well.

In addition to Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool, the upcoming sequel will see the return of Morena Baccarin as Vanessa, Leslie Uggams as Blind Al, Karan Soni as Dopinder, Brianna Hildebrand as Negasonic Teenage Warhead, Shioli Kutsuna as Yukio, Stefan Kapičić as the voice of Colossus, and Rob Delaney as Peter. Deadpool 3 will also star Emma Corrin, who is expected to play the villain, and Matthew Macfadyen in an undisclosed role.

The biggest addition to the Deadpool 3 cast is Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, who finally broke down after being pestered by Ryan Reynolds for so many years. Reynolds said that the sequel will present a new challenge for Jackman. “I think [Jackman] was excited and what we pitched him was enough of a divergence from the character that he knows and the character that he’s left behind,” Reynolds said, “that it gives him something completely new to play and something that he’s really excited to do.” Clearly, all that pestering paid off. “I mean, I never stopped,” Reynolds said. “I was just pestering him like a gnat over the last many years. I actually just think… I believe in timing … and I think he was ready.“

Deadpool 3 was slated for a May 3, 2024 release, but with production currently on pause due to the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, it could wind up being pushed back.

Which Marvel Fox characters do you hope make an appearance in Deadpool 3?