'Deadpool' Ryan Reynolds sparks Avengers: Doomsday speculation with cryptic post

Ryan Reynolds has set the Marvel fandom abuzz with a single, mysterious Instagram post. On Tuesday, the actor—beloved for his sharp-witted portrayal of Deadpool—shared an image of the iconic Avengers logo. No caption, just a stunned “WHAT” paired with a side-eye emoji. Within minutes, fans began speculating: could Deadpool be joining Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in Avengers: Doomsday, slated for a 2026 release?

Marvel’s initial cast list for the Robert Downey Jr.-led Avengers: Doomsday made no mention of Reynolds or Deadpool. But the timing of his tease has fueled hopes that the irreverent anti-hero might make an appearance—whether as a quick cameo or in a more substantial role alongside the Avengers. Online, reactions have ranged from cautious optimism to playful warnings for Reynolds not to get their hopes up.

The biggest question remains: how would Deadpool, with his R-rated humor and meta commentary, fit into the MCU’s typically PG-13 tone? Fans are eager to see whether this is a one-off gag or the start of a bigger crossover.

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A post shared by Ryan Reynolds (@vancityreynolds)

Who’s Confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday?

So far, Marvel has announced an ensemble cast including:

• Robert Downey Jr. as Victor von Doom / Doctor Doom
  
  
• Chris Hemsworth as Thor
  
  
• Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson / Captain America
  
  
• Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes
  
  
• Letitia Wright as Shuri / Black Panther
  
  
• Paul Rudd as Scott Lang / Ant-Man
  
  
• Wyatt Russell as John Walker / U.S. Agent
  
  
• Tenoch Huerta Mejía as Namor
  
  
• Simu Liu as Shang-Chi
  
  
• Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova
  
  
• David Harbour as Alexei Shostakov / Red Guardian
  
  
• Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres / Falcon
  
  
• Lewis Pullman as Bob Reynolds / Sentry
  
  
• Hannah John-Kamen as Ava Starr / Ghost
  
  
• Tom Hiddleston as Loki
  
  
• Channing Tatum as Remy LeBeau / Gambit
  
  
• Patrick Stewart as Professor X
  
  
• Ian McKellen as Magneto
  
  
• Rebecca Romijn as Mystique
  
  
• James Marsden as Cyclops
  
  
• Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler
  
  
• Kelsey Grammer as Beast
  
  

Notably absent are Tom Holland’s Spider-Man and Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk, leaving room for surprise appearances. Marvel has confirmed there will be cameos but is keeping the rest of the cast under wraps—ensuring fan theories will only grow louder until opening night.