The possibility of the multiverse playing a significant role in Deadpool 3, Ryan Reynolds’ debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has become more likely with the appearance of a Marvel actor in London where the film is being shot. Reports have surfaced claiming that Deadpool 3 will feature an impressive cast, including rumored appearances by Channing Tatum as Gambit, cameos from the X-Men, and even an older version of Daredevil, following unconfirmed reports of Ben Affleck being spotted on set. If the plot takes Deadpool deeper into the multiverse, the potential for such cameos becomes more feasible.
According to DeadpoolUpdates on Twitter, Owen Wilson was photographed with fans in London, fueling speculation that his Loki character, Mobius, will make an appearance in Deadpool 3. Jeff Sneider was the first to report Wilson’s involvement, with the Time Variance Authority (TVA) supposedly intervening in Deadpool’s meddling with the multiverse.
Deadpool 2’s ending saw the Merc with a Mouth utilizing time travel to venture into alternate timelines, eliminating the version of Deadpool from X-Men Origins: Wolverine and even Ryan Reynolds himself, erasing WB’s ill-fated Green Lantern adaptation. This setup provides the foundation for the multiverse storyline. Mobius showing up to keep Deadpool in check as he explores the multiverse (and eventually makes his way into the MCU officially) makes logical sense.
Establishing the multiverse in Deadpool 2 is the simplest way to integrate Deadpool into the MCU, especially with the ongoing Multiverse Saga. Retroactively revealing that Deadpool was tampering with alternate timelines and creating branches in the infamous post-credits scene would be a clever addition. It would also explain Hugh Jackman’s return as Wolverine despite his death in Logan, while addressing the timeline issues caused by X-Men: Days of Future Past, where Colossus survived only for Deadpool to introduce a different version supposedly within the same timeline.
Deadpool is a wildcard in the Marvel movies, known for breaking the fourth wall and referencing other MCU films. Additionally, Deadpool 2 already showcased successful stunt casting for hilariously brief cameos, such as Brad Pitt’s Vanisher. Utilizing the multiverse to amplify this aspect, even amidst concerns of fan fatigue with multiverse stories, could work. However, it’s worth acknowledging that the rumors bear similarities to the Illuminati trick in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and less successful multiverse cameos in The Flash. Deadpool 3 could, at the very least, offer some sharp humor addressing these comparisons.