‘Deadpool 4’ Likely Never Happening After Ryan Reynolds Speaks Out

In an astounding show of box office dominance, Deadpool & Wolverine has amassed $1.338 billion worldwide, securing its position as the year’s second-highest-grossing film, just behind Disney’s Inside Out 2 (2024). While this success opens the door for more adventures in the franchise, it appears the Merc with a Mouth’s tenure as a leading character may be coming to an end.

The Deadpool saga—spanning Deadpool (2016) and Deadpool 2 (2018)—revolutionized the superhero genre with its biting humor, over-the-top action, and R-rated edge. Directed by Tim Miller and penned by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, the original Deadpool introduced audiences to Ryan Reynolds’ beloved portrayal of Wade Wilson, an antihero with a penchant for breaking the fourth wall.

Alongside an exceptional cast featuring Morena Baccarin as Vanessa, Ed Skrein as Ajax, and Brianna Hildebrand as the deadpan Negasonic Teenage Warhead—with Stefan Kapičić lending his voice to Colossus—the film became a hit, grossing $782.6 million globally and setting a new benchmark for R-rated films.

The sequel, Deadpool 2 (2018), directed by David Leitch, upped the ante with sharper humor and a larger-than-life cast, including Josh Brolin’s Cable and Zazie Beetz’s Domino. It edged out its predecessor with a $785.8 million worldwide gross, further proving that audiences were eager for superhero fare that defied convention. The Deadpool films shattered the notion that comic book movies had to be family-friendly, paving the way for the character’s eventual MCU debut under the stewardship of Kevin Feige.

After much anticipation and a buildup rivaling that of Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), Deadpool & Wolverine finally hit theaters this July. As Marvel Studios’ sole film release of the year, the stakes were sky-high for this Multiversal adventure starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. Thankfully, the film delivered in spades, becoming the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time and surpassing titans like Joker (2019) and Oppenheimer (2023).

Director Shawn Levy made it clear this was not “Deadpool 3,” but rather a team-up film focusing equally on Deadpool and Jackman’s Logan/Wolverine. The movie’s Multiverse-spanning narrative served as a love letter to Fox’s superhero legacy, featuring surprise appearances by Jennifer Garner’s Elektra, Wesley Snipes’ Blade, and Channing Tatum’s Gambit—a character long rumored for his own ill-fated solo film. Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019 made such crossovers possible, blending the rich history of Marvel adaptations with the MCU’s ever-expanding roster.

Despite this overwhelming success, Ryan Reynolds recently hinted that his time as Deadpool’s leading man might be drawing to a close. In a candid discussion with Andrew Garfield during Variety’s *Actors on Actors* series, Reynolds explained the personal toll that these films take. “I don’t know. Honestly, my feeling is that the character works very well in two ways. One is scarcity and surprise,” he said. “So it had been six years since the last one, and part of the reason is that it swallows my whole life. I have four kids, and I don’t ever want to be an absentee [father.]”

Reynolds opened up about the challenges of balancing his career and family life, sharing that he “[died] inside” when work obligations kept him away from his children’s milestones. For Reynolds, Deadpool & Wolverine was designed to be “a complete experience instead of a commercial for another one,” hinting that he may step back from starring in future projects.

While he hasn’t entirely ruled out future appearances, Reynolds suggested that Deadpool might work better as a supporting character. “Deadpool’s a supporting character much more than he is the center,” he explained. “We center him sometimes because that’s what they want, but you can’t center him unless you take everything away from him. You have to create a situation where he’s so much the underdog. I don’t think I can do that again.”

That said, Reynolds left the door open for playful cameos, saying he’d “happily be a fifth banana in [a Channing Tatum Gambit] movie or anyone else’s.” Fans are already speculating about Deadpool’s potential role in upcoming MCU epics like Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027).

Although nothing has been confirmed, these films promise massive team-ups, including Anthony Mackie’s Captain America, the Fantastic Four, and even Robert Downey Jr.’s Victor Von Doom/Doctor Doom. Chris Evans’ involvement also remains a mystery, with speculation about whether he will reprise Steve Rogers or return as Johnny Storm, as he did in Deadpool & Wolverine.

Whatever the future holds, Reynolds’ comments suggest a thoughtful evolution for Deadpool’s journey within the MCU. By leaning into the character’s unpredictability and charm, the franchise can continue to surprise and delight audiences without relying solely on standalone films. As fans eagerly debate what’s next, one thing is certain: Deadpool has carved out a unique place in superhero cinema, and his legacy is far from over.

What do you think about Deadpool potentially stepping back from the spotlight? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!