Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman Talk ‘Deadpool 3’ and Wolverine's Return

Ryan Reynolds knows a thing or two about setting the internet on fire. He and his marketing team have proved time and again that they’ll cannily drop videos to advertise everything from his gin company to his mobile phone company that get people talking.

And when you combine that with the firepower of not only the next ‘Deadpool’ movie, but also an announcement that Hugh Jackman will be returning as Wolverine for the film, you’ve got a blaze worthy of a gasoline explosion in a fireworks factory.

That’s what happened yesterday when Reynolds posted a video to his social media that initially seems to be just an update about ‘Deadpool 3’. “I’ve had to really search my soul on this one,” Reynolds says. “His first appearance in the MCU obviously needs to feel special. We need to stay true to the character, find new depth, motivation, meaning. Every ‘Deadpool’ needs to stand out and stand apart. It’s been an incredible challenge that has forced me to reach down deep inside. And I… I have nothing. Yeah, just completely empty up here. And terrifying. But we did have one idea.”

Cue the random appearance of Jackman (who wanders into frame behind Reynolds, munching on an apple). Asked if he wants to play Wolverine again, Jackman casually answers, “yeah, sure Ryan.” Boom.

(L to R) Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman discuss Marvel Studios' 'Deadpool 3.' Photo courtesy of Ryan Reynolds YouTube channel.

With a logo and a release date announcement (September 6th, 2024) you have all the makings of a sensation.

Response to the original was, naturally, all over the spectrum, with obvious delight, major concern and the now-typical criticism.

James Mangold, the co-writer/director of ‘Logan’ had his own reaction, hitting twitter with a loop of Jackman’s character in repeated agony. He followed it up to assure fans that he harbored no ill will towards the idea of Wolverine in a ‘Deadpool’ film, insisting he was kidding.

And if we’re honest, the man behind the next ‘Indiana Jones’ movie really doesn’t have anything to worry about… besides, you know, continuing one of the most famous franchises in cinematic history.

There was, of course, some natural concern that the new movie might somehow undercut Wolverine’s heroic death in Mangold’s 2017 film.

So Reynolds and Jackman showed up in a new video today, promising to answer questions fans might have. We got one serious answer, at least…“‘Logan’ takes place in 2029, totally separate thing,” Reynolds says. “Logan died in ‘Logan’. Not touching that.”

As for what happens in ‘Deadpool 3’? Well, you can see for yourself, but suffice to say, when the audio drops out, replaced by Wham’s ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go’ and the two actors pantomiming what looks like a big fight between the Deadpool and Wolverine (expect those with lip-reading skills to break down what they’re saying, though we predict it’s nonsense).

Finally, they thank Marvel, and Kevin Feige and wrap up with a photo montage of the performers together through the years.

‘Deadpool 3’ is still largely a mystery for now – besides Jackman’s presence, we know that Shawn Levy is directing and that it’ll be out in September 2024. Perhaps Reynolds will be kind enough to share more videos in future – the question is, how many will just be a giant joke?

Hugh Jackman will return as Wolverine in Marvel Studios' 'Deadpool 3.'