We've been sifting through Deadpool & Wolverine rumours from the moment it was first announced. Very early on, there were rumblings about it dealing with the aftermath of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and, more specifically, the Scarlet Witch's attack on Earth-838.
The movie was supposed to show us what became of that world after Wanda killed the Illuminati, with it now a "dystopian future led by a handful of individuals who were related to the deceased members of the former Illuminati."
They intended to wage war on Earth-616 with Sir Ian McKellen's Magneto said to be leading the charge; we're not sure what the idea was beyond that, but it's possible this was connected to former Avengers: The Kang Dynasty writer Jeff Loveness' plans for the now-untitled movie.
Regardless, according to The Cosmic Circus - the site that originally broke the Scarlet Witch/Magneto news - both characters are no longer part of Deadpool & Wolverine in any way (backing up previous claims about them being cut during development).
"No, they are not in the movie, as far as I know," the site's Alex Perez explains. "What I knew very early on were ideas that were being heavily discussed and concepts that they were interested in exploring. Unfortunately, most of these concepts don’t pan out, and you’ll have to wait for the movie to see what I’m referring to."
Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin were hired to pen Deadpool 3's screenplay in 2020, only for Ryan Reynolds, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Zeb Wells, and Shawn Levy to all work on that since. As you might expect, big changes were likely made in that time and we're guessing original plans called for the Merc with the Mouth to also hail from Earth-838 (an easy retcon).
As for where the Scarlet Witch's story will continue, we're hearing a solo movie remains in development and that her fate will be addressed in the upcoming Agatha All Along series.
While you're here, check out some new Cosbaby figures for Deadpool & Wolverine below.
Shawn Levy directs Deadpool & Wolverine, which stars Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni, and Matthew Macfadyen. The movie is written by Ryan Reynolds & Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick & Zeb Wells & Shawn Levy.
The trades have confirmed that Jennifer Garner will reprise her role as Elektra, with Wesley Snipes, James Marsden, Famke Janssen, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Dafne Keen, Channing Tatum, Blake Lively and even singer Taylor Swift among those rumoured to make an appearance.
Kevin Feige, Reynolds, Levy and Lauren Shuler Donner produce with Louis D’Esposito, Wendy Jacobson, Mary McLaglen, Josh McLaglen, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, George Dewey, Simon Kinberg and Jonathon Komack Martin serving as executive producers.
Deadpool & Wolverine arrives in theaters on July 26.