For weeks, speculation has been swirling about Ryan Reynolds and the production of Marvel’s upcoming tentpole Avengers: Doomsday. Whispers from fan blogs and gossip columns suggested that Reynolds’ Deadpool would be front and center in the massive ensemble film. Some outlets went so far as to claim Reynolds had already been spotted on set, even clashing with Robert Downey Jr. over creative direction.
This weekend, Reynolds himself finally broke his silence. And, true to form, he did so with humor. Speaking while promoting his new documentary John Candy: I Like Me at the Toronto International Film Festival, Reynolds flatly denied he had been filming. With a smirk, he explained that he’d written a few John Candy Easter eggs he would love to sneak into the movie. but admitted they remain “written in my PJs at home.”
Ryan Reynolds as Nicepool in Deadpool and Wolverine – Disney+
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“Of course, I’ve written them all at home in my PJs, and nobody’s seen ’em nor have I stepped foot on set,” Reynolds said. “But, yeah, that’s about as far as I’ll go on that one.”
That line was meant to put the rumors to rest—but in typical Marvel fashion, it may have only deepened the intrigue.
The Rumored Feud with Robert Downey Jr.
Perhaps the biggest headline to emerge from the rumor mill was the supposed clash between Reynolds and Robert Downey Jr. Reports claimed the two actors were at odds during production, fueling speculation that Deadpool’s irreverent style would bump against Downey’s return as Doctor Doom.
Robert Downey Jr. at the Avengers Doomsday cast reveal – YouTube, IGN
However, insiders have now shut that talk down completely. A source close to the production told People that there is “zero bad blood” between the stars. In fact, the source insisted the feud is entirely fabricated—and that Reynolds and Downey Jr. haven’t even met on set because Reynolds hasn’t been there.
It’s another reminder that Marvel secrecy creates fertile ground for gossip. Without official confirmation of casting details, speculation tends to run wild.
Why Fans Are Confused
Marvel has cultivated this environment of uncertainty by design. Kevin Feige and the Russo brothers know that fans will dissect every Instagram post, paparazzi photo, and cryptic social media comment for hidden meaning. Reynolds himself has leaned into this dynamic, dropping teases like a doctored Avengers logo earlier this year that sent fans scrambling for clues.
(L-R): Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool/Wade Wilson and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine/Logan in 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios’ DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE. Photo by Jay Maidment. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.
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That strategy keeps Marvel in the headlines, but it also generates confusion. Outlets as “reputable” as Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter have run conflicting reports. One says Reynolds is confirmed, another insists he hasn’t been on location, and still others hedge their bets with vague language about “possible involvement.”
The end result is a fan base that doesn’t know what to believe. Is Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool part of Avengers: Doomsday? Is Marvel saving him for Secret Wars? The only certainty is that Feige isn’t going to give a straight answer.
Marvel’s Long History of Playing Coy
This isn’t the first time Marvel has thrived on ambiguity. The studio has practically made secrecy part of its brand.
- Spider-Man: No Way Home: Both Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire denied their involvement for months, only for fans to erupt when they appeared in the final cut.
- Avengers: Infinity War: Trailers featured digitally altered shots to conceal plot points, including hiding the fact that Hulk never actually fought in the climactic battle.
- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness: Patrick Stewart denied his Professor X cameo even after his unmistakable voice appeared in the trailer.
Patrick Stewart as Professor X in Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness – Disney+
With that history, Reynolds’ denial could mean anything. On the surface, he might not have filmed yet. But Marvel is more than willing to let actors lie—or at least dance around the truth—in order to protect spoilers.
Bottom Line
Ryan Reynolds’ public statement that he hasn’t been on set for Avengers: Doomsday clears the air on one point—it debunks the rumor of a feud with Robert Downey Jr. But it doesn’t close the book on Deadpool’s role in the MCU’s next epic crossover.
Marvel thrives on mystery, and Reynolds is more than capable of playing along. Whether he’s keeping secrets or genuinely on the sidelines, the speculation around Avengers: Doomsday isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
(L-R): Hugh Jackman as Wolverine/Logan and Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool/Wade Wilson in 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios’ DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE. Photo by Jay Maidment. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.
Fans now wait with bated breath for December 2026, wondering if Deadpool will break the fourth wall in Marvel’s biggest movie yet—or if Reynolds is truly sitting this one out.
Do you think Ryan Reynolds will show up as Deadpool in Avengers: Doomsday? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
