The X-Men Cinematic Universe is growing. In typical Marvel conceit, Deadpool 2 Director David Leitch has apparently directed a scene featuring Reynolds for Logan. According to The Wrap, an insider close to the production reported that Reynolds has made an appearance as the Merc with the Mouth, which they speculate to be most likely a post-credit scene for Logan.
X-Men fans will recall that this is the second time the fan favorite character has appeared in a Wolverine film. Reynolds played Wade Wilson for the first time in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, however fans will also recall that this film was part of the reason that fans pushed for a unique and different perspective. Wilson’s appearance was far more different – and is still technically canon.
Does this mean that Logan takes place in an alternate reality as an Old Man Logan adaptation must? It brings quite a bit to consider. Then again most obviously it’s Deadpool. The very character lends himself to fourth wall breaking which makes him perfect for an end-credits scene. Either way it’s exciting news.
David Leitch is best known for John Wick, and stepped in to replace Tim Miller when Miller left the project over creative differences. According to the wrap, Reynolds and Miller differed over the tone of the film, so this at least is a a sign that the director is working well with the beloved star.
Logan is set in 2024 and follows an older more weary wolverine who now has to take care of a six professor X with the help of a mutant named Caliban. Mutant births are in decline for unknown reasons, but Logan and professor X come across a young girl with abilities similar to Logan’s.
UPDATE:
Reynolds has tweeted that he won’t appear in Logan.
Sadly, not true. Prisoner 24601 is on a solo mission. https://t.co/5czBmMRfY1
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) December 28, 2016
The question of how true or how not true this is remains to be seen. The internet jumped behind it and embraced it however, so could we perhaps argue that this is a move that Fox should make? Indeed, the “It’s All Connected” attitude of Deadpool, even if it’s just a plug for Deadpool 2 (Or even a line spoofing this whole incident) would be hilarious. From potential casting announcements to just a plain joke (Here, I’ll even write it for you Fox, “You guys really couldn’t wait for me to come back could you? So you just jumped on the first rumor that I’d be back as soon as you wanted? I don’t blame you I mean I’m awesome.”) Something along those lines could be great.
While it appears that Logan won’t include an end-credits scene featuring deadpool, perhaps this excitement is a sign that it needs one, even again if it’s just Reynolds bringing back this internet fan-favorite character.
Logan stars Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, Patrick Stewart as Professor X, Boyd Holbrook as Donald Pierce, Stephen Merchant as Caliban and Dafne Keen as Laura Kinney with Elizabeth Rodriguez, Eriq La Salle, and Elsie Neal.
Logan is scheduled for release March 3rd, 2017.