Deadpool & Wolverine isn’t just a coming together of iconic superheroes, it is a multiverse-hopping, nostalgia-inducing, jaw-dropping spectacle with an array of incredible cameos. From unexpected returns to playful winks at the past, here are 10 appearances that got us super excited. MCU fans, spoilers ahead!
Jon Favreau’s Happy Hogan is on the job
The first surprise cameo is Jon Favreau as Happy Hogan. After a brutal opening sequence where Deadpool uses Logan’s adamantium skeleton to take down several Time Variance Authority (TVA) Minutemen, there’s a flashback to March 2018 in the Marvel timeline. Here, Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) is seen interviewing for a spot on the Avengers team and Happy Hogan vets his resume.
Henry Cavill is Wolverine with a twist
One of the most unexpected special appearances is undoubtedly that of Henry Cavill as the Wolverine variant ‘Cavillrine’. He is one of the many variants that Deadpool comes across when he goes hopping across universes to find a Wolverine who can help save the sacred timeline. The cameo by Cavill, who is famous for being Superman in the DCEU, has sparked several fan theories about a potential future for the character in the MCU.
The Hulk smashes once again
Among the multiple versions of Wolverine that Deadpool meets across different timelines is of one battling the Hulk. Although it’s a blink-and-you-miss appearance, the green giant appears to be Edward Norton’s portrayal from Marvel’s 2008 film The Incredible Hulk, before Mark Ruffalo took over the role.
Chris Evans flames up
Another startling cameo is by Chris Evans — not as the star-spangled Captain America but as Johnny Storm, the Human Torch from the Fantastic Four. As Deadpool and Wolverine land up in the Void (kind of a garbage dump for discarded superheroes in the MCU), they run into a ragtag team of mercenaries who take superheroes hostage. And the Human Torch emerges to protect Deadpool and Wolverine from them. A brief but brilliant cameo that perfectly captures the character’s cocky charm.
Tyler Mane returns as Sabretooth
In the Void, Deadpool and Wolverine meet an unruly gang of snatchers. Lo and behold, it is led by Wolverine’s half-brother Sabretooth. Tyler Mane, who played Sabretooth in the first X-Men movie, reprises this role, instead of Liev Schreiber.
Channing Tatum, the Cajun mutant
Channing Tatum as the charismatic Cajun mutant Gambit has been one of the most anticipated cameos, and the film offers only a tantalising glimpse of him. Tatum pops up briefly in the Void, sporting a stylish haircut and a hint of that signature charm, reigniting hopes for a Gambit solo film.
Wesley Snipes is back as Blade
Wesley Snipes, the original Blade, also surfaces in the Void. Though not in his iconic vampire-hunting role, his presence is a nod to the character that defined a generation of action heroes. Blade’s interaction with Deadpool is filled with banter about their respective franchises, adding another layer of meta-humour.
Jennifer Garner is not the same old Elektra
Jennifer Garner, who previously played Elektra in Daredevil, makes a memorable appearance. This Elektra is a more comedic version, a far cry from the deadly assassin that we knew her to be. Garner’s interaction with Deadpool is packed with witty repartees.
Dafne Keen’s Laura joins her dad
In 2017, Hugh Jackman announced his retirement from the role of Wolverine with the release of Logan. The film even saw the death of Wolverine. Until, of course, he made a grand return in Deadpool 3. In Logan, Dafne Keen played X-23 aka Laura, a child experimented on and given Wolverine’s DNA, making her Wolverine’s daughter. Wolverine ultimately sacrifices himself to save her. In Deadpool & Wolverine, Keen returns as Laura, joining Deadpool and Wolverine as they take on Cassandra Nova.
Lady Deadpool’s identity unmasked
Ever since the trailer for Deadpool & Wolverine teased a glimpse of Lady Deadpool, fans have been speculating who that actress might be. The most popular guesses were Taylor Swift and Reynolds’ wife Blake Lively. Now we can confirm it’s the latter. Although she doesn’t remove her mask during the movie, if you stay for the post-credits scene, you’ll see Blake Lively mentioned next to Lady Deadpool.