Last week, Deadpool 3 star Ryan Reynolds sent the internet into a frenzy when he announced that Hugh Jackman would be donning the claws and mutton chops one last time(?) and joining The Merc With a Mouth for his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut.
The pair released a mock explanation video shortly after, but it didn't reveal very much aside from Reynolds reassuring fans that they had no intention of going back on or retconning the events of Jackman's (supposed) swansong for the character, Logan.
Jackman has briefly addressed his return already, and Reynolds has now weighed in during an interview with Forbes.
“I couldn’t be more excited," he told the site. "I mean, especially to do it this way. Ultimately, I get to work with some of my closest friends in the world and that doesn’t happen every day working in this business. I’m thrilled and I’ve been sitting on those couple of teasers for a few weeks now. It’s one of those moments where you’re hitting send or a tweet or a post - your hand is shaking when you’re messing with the zeitgeist in a way like that. It’s been amazing."
The news certainly got everyone talking, and while some feel it's about time another actor was given the opportunity to play the fan-favorite mutant, most do seem to be looking forward to this team-up.
"I feel the same way that the fans do, though," added Reynolds. "I feel as excited that this character is coming back for another ride, particularly in this context. I think it’s something that people have wanted for a long time, to get this pairing up on the big screen, and that’s what we aim to do.”
How Logan will factor into the story remains to be seen, but there's plenty of comic book material to draw inspiration from. Reynolds has previously revealed that his original pitch for a third Deadpool film (pre-Fox merger) focused on a "Rashomon-style" road trip with Wade and Wolvie, so perhaps elements of that idea will carry over?
Jackman's involvement also raises the question: is his take on Wolverine joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe along with Deadpool? We can't imagine the actor has committed to more than one additional appearance, but who knows?
Deadpool 3 is set to hit theaters on September 6, 2024.