The Merc with a Mouth is far from hanging up his katanas. Fresh reports indicate that Deadpool 4 is actively in development at Marvel Studios, with Ryan Reynolds taking a hands-on role in shaping what could be one of the most unconventional entries yet in the franchise. Following the massive success of Deadpool & Wolverine—which shattered box-office records and revitalized interest in the MCU’s R-rated corner—Reynolds has reportedly prioritized crafting the next chapter, and the early vision is anything but a traditional solo sequel.
Sources close to the project describe an ensemble-style story that would spotlight three to four major X-Men characters, allowing Marvel to explore these iconic mutants in fresh, unexpected ways. Deadpool himself would step back into a more supporting role rather than dominating the narrative as the lead. This shift aligns with Reynolds’ long-standing philosophy that the character works best when he’s not fully integrated into a larger team like the Avengers or X-Men proper—avoiding the “wish fulfillment” trap that could end Wade Wilson’s chaotic charm. Instead, the film would surround Deadpool with powerful allies (or reluctant partners), letting the X-Men take center stage while the fourth-wall-breaking anti-hero provides comic relief, commentary, and his signature mayhem in a supporting capacity.
The idea echoes earlier teases from Reynolds himself, who confirmed in late 2024 and early 2025 that he was developing an “ensemble” project. At the time, speculation pointed toward a Deadpool-led X-Men crossover or even an adaptation of something like Uncanny X-Force, where Wade Wilson often plays a key but not central role. The latest updates suggest this concept has evolved or solidified, with Reynolds reportedly working on treatments that prioritize mutant dynamics over another Deadpool-centric adventure. This approach would give Marvel breathing room to reintroduce X-Men characters post-Deadpool & Wolverine, testing their appeal in the MCU without committing to a full reboot or massive team-up right away.
Before any Deadpool 4 hits theaters, fans can expect Wade Wilson to make a cameo or appearance in Avengers: Doomsday, set for release in December 2026. Multiple reports confirm Reynolds will reprise the role in the Russo Brothers-directed event film, though he won’t officially join the Avengers team. Deadpool’s inclusion fits perfectly into Doomsday‘s multiversal chaos, which already brings back several Fox-era X-Men stars (including Patrick Stewart’s Professor X, Ian McKellen’s Magneto, James Marsden’s Cyclops, and Channing Tatum’s Gambit). Whether Deadpool aligns with the mutants, causes his usual brand of disruption, or simply pops in for meta commentary remains under wraps, but his presence adds another layer of excitement to an already stacked lineup.
The momentum for Deadpool 4 comes directly from the triumph of Deadpool & Wolverine. Released in summer 2024, the film grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide, proving that R-rated superhero content could still dominate in a post-Endgame MCU landscape. It also successfully bridged the Fox X-Men universe into the main MCU timeline, opening the door for mutants to play a larger role moving forward. Reynolds’ creative involvement—having co-written previous entries—gives confidence that the next film will retain the irreverent humor, fourth-wall breaks, and heartfelt moments that defined the series.
That said, nothing is official yet. Marvel Studios has remained silent on Deadpool 4, and no release date, director, or full cast has been announced. The studio is currently juggling a packed Phase Six slate, including major tentpoles like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, so any Deadpool project would likely arrive after those milestones—potentially in the late 2020s or early 2030s. Reynolds has previously expressed a desire for family time after the intense production of the third film, but the pull of the character and the franchise’s profitability appears to have won out.
Fans are already buzzing with possibilities. An ensemble featuring key X-Men could bring back familiar faces like Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine (if he returns beyond Doomsday), while introducing or reimagining others in the MCU context. The supporting Deadpool role might allow for bolder storytelling—perhaps leaning into team dynamics, moral conflicts among mutants, or even darker tones inspired by comic arcs like X-Force. It would also keep Wade Wilson unpredictable and fresh, avoiding fatigue from too many solo outings.
Whether this becomes a true Deadpool 4 sequel, an X-Men spin-off with Deadpool vibes, or something entirely new, the reports signal Marvel’s commitment to expanding the mutant corner of the MCU through one of its most bankable stars. With Reynolds at the helm creatively and Deadpool poised for a high-profile appearance in Avengers: Doomsday later this year, the Merc with a Mouth is set to keep breaking the fourth wall—and box-office records—for years to come.
