They might roast each other on Instagram with impressive pranks all stemming from a faux beef, but the truth of the matter is Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman have a friendship like no other. The pair have continued to support each other through various life events and film projects, and now it’s been revealed that Jackman is set to reprise his iconic Wolverine character in the upcoming Deadpool 3.
If you’re not familiar with Deadpool, the film took Ryan Reynolds something like 10 years to bring to the screen, during which time he continued to not only workshop the script, but take it to countless producers and executives in Hollywood in the hope that they might see and understand his vision for the project. When it finally hit cinemas, the film was a blockbuster success, the likes of which no writers or producers could ever have imagined. It set a new box office record for R-rated films and has continued to delight audiences and critics alike.
Hard keeping my mouth sewn shut about this one. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/OdV7JmAkEu
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) September 27, 2022
Superhero movies have long been a staple in the Hollywood film canon, with Marvel practically bringing out a new film every year. But Deadpool transformed the genre, pushing the envelope both with its titular character and stylistic qualities like having Reynolds’ character talk directly to the audience. Writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick succeeded with a non-linear origin story that subverted the genre itself, ditching the typical three-act structure in favour of a unique take.
With its incredible success, it’s not hard to see why Deadpool is now set to have a third instalment hit cinemas, with a scheduled release for September 6, 2024. As well as revealing its release, it’s also been announced that Aussie icon Hugh Jackman will star as James Howlett/Logan/Wolverine, helping his ole buddy Reynolds bring the film to life.
Reynolds took to social media to announce the news, alongside footage of a faux inspirational montage: “Hey everyone, we’re extremely sad to have missed D23, but we’ve been working very hard on the next Deadpool film for a good long while now.”
“I’ve had to really search my soul on this one. 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,” says Reynolds.
“Hey, Hugh, you want to play Wolverine one more time?” Reynolds asks casually as Jackman can be seen walking in the background, brushing his teeth as he ascends a staircase.
“Yeah, sure Ryan,” comes the reply.
It marks the second time Reynolds and Jackman will star on screen together, with the pair previously having starred as Wade Wilson (Deadpool) and James Howlett/Logan in X-Men: Origins – Wolverine. But knowing the calibre of the script and the way Deadpool so perfectly captures the humour of its characters, it’s safe to say we’ll be counting down the days to September 6, 2024.
