Disney/Marvel Updates On ‘Deadpool 3’ Release

With studios expected to scramble for cast and soundstage space once the performers can return to work, the ‘Deadpool’ threequel is a big focus for the companies.

(Left) Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman discuss Marvel Studios' 'Deadpool 3.' Photo courtesy of Ryan Reynolds YouTube channel. (Right) Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in 'Deadpool 3.' Photo courtesy of Ryan Reynolds Instagram account.

Preview

‘Deadpool 3’ is among the big movies that studios will want to prioritize shooting once the ongoing actors’ strike is resolved.
Director Shawn Levy has talked about how far along ‘Deadpool 3’ was in its shoot.
Other movies likely to be prioritized include ‘Beetlejuice 2’, ‘Mission: Impossible –– Dead Reckoning Part 2’ and ‘Captain America: Brave New World’.

With news arriving yesterday that the members of the Writers Guild of America have officially ratified their new contract with the studios, one of the major strikes impacting Hollywood’s production process has come to an end.

All eyes are naturally now on the industrial action by SAG-AFTRA members, with the actors looking to score their own new deal with the companies. Negotiations on that one are still ongoing (the next round is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday October 11th) and there is no sign of an agreement in place yet, even if the writers’ deal means a clearer pathway to one.

But what happens when a deal is finally sealed, and actors are available to work again? The dam breaks on all the various productions that have been paused and studios must decide which movies in particular to prioritize.

‘Deadpool 3’ as a priority

Ryan Reynolds in 20th Century Fox's 'Deadpool.'

For Disney, one of the bigger projects to gear back up as a priority is ‘Deadpool 3,' featuring the return of Ryan Reynolds’ Wade Wilson, the “Merc with a Mouth”.

This latest entry in the superhero franchise features Hugh Jackman appearing as Wolverine for the first time, which naturally makes it an exciting one for fans.

Director Shawn Levy has been making the movie and reported that he was roughly halfway through the shoot when the strike shut it down.

Here’s Levy on whether he’d front-loaded the big effects that could have been worked on during the strike:

“That would have been smarter than I am. That would have been so savvy. But I guess, like others in our industry, I somehow thought this second strike would be averted. Then suddenly, it was upon us, and I had to send several hundred people home, and they’re still waiting to come back to work. So, I’m just really — I don’t use this word lightly — I’m yearning for a resolution that feels fair and equitable and gets this industry back to work.”

With Disney and Marvel currently sticking to their May 3rd, 2024, release date, the pressure will naturally be on to complete the film. But if the actors’ strike goes on beyond the next few weeks, expect that to change.