Avengers: Doomsday News - Cast, Plot & Release Updates

Ryan Reynolds brought his signature irreverent style to San Diego Comic-Con on Sunday, using a surprise appearance in full Deadpool costume to publicly lobby for a role in Marvel Studios’ upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday.” The actor commandeered the stage during a panel for the 2026 blockbuster, playfully pleading with director Joe Russo and the assembled cast to let his Merc with a Mouth join the multiversal mayhem.

“I know I’m not on the call sheet,” Reynolds told the crowd, his mask off and voice cracking with exaggerated sincerity. “But if you look at the stakes - three universes colliding, an existential threat, and Robert Downey Jr. playing the villain - it feels like there’s a gap only I can fill.” The audience erupted, but Russo - seated alongside stars Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, and Pedro Pascal - offered only a cryptic smile.

The stunt was classic Deadpool: unannounced, fourth-wall-breaking, and meticulously timed. Reynolds emerged from backstage just as Russo was describing the film’s central conflict - a deadly collision course between heroes from three distinct universes. Wearing his red-and-black suit and carrying a prop taco, Reynolds walked to center stage and dropped to one knee. “Joe, I’m begging you,” he said. “I don’t need a big part. Just one scene where I get to insult Doctor Doom’s cloak.”

Russo, who directed the previous two “Avengers” installments, played along. “We have a very specific creative vision, Ryan,” he said, deadpan. “But I’ll admit, your timing is good. We were just discussing the need for a character who can make Doom laugh - right before he vaporizes him.” The exchange drew roars from the Hall H crowd, many of whom had been waiting hours for any news about the December 2026 release.

“Avengers: Doomsday,” now filming in London, features an ensemble cast that spans the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men universe. The official cast includes Robert Downey Jr. as Victor von Doom - a role that reshaped expectations after his Iron Man arc ended - alongside Chris Evans returning as Steve Rogers, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson’s Captain America, Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, and Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm. The film’s 165-minute runtime and December 16 release date suggest an epic scope, with Russo promising a story that “redefines what a superhero movie can be.”

During the panel, Reynolds’ interruption shifted into an impromptu audition. He riffed on the film’s synopsis - “Beloved heroes from three distinct universes are set on a deadly collision course” - and offered a pitch: “Picture this. Deadpool is eating chimichangas on a cosmic garbage scow. Suddenly, the sky rips open, and there’s Doom. I look at the camera and say, ‘Oh great, another Oscar guy trying to steal my popcorn movie.’” Russo laughed and said he’d “think about it,” while Hemsworth jokingly threw an empty water bottle at Reynolds.

The moment was a masterstroke of guerrilla marketing - and a genuine reflection of Reynolds’ long-reported desire to cross Deadpool over into the core Avengers franchise. Since Disney acquired 20th Century Fox in 2019, fans have speculated about when - or if - the R-rated character would share screen time with the PG-13 Marvel heroes. Reynolds has publicly stated he would “camp outside the Marvel offices” to make it happen, and Sunday’s Comic-Con stunt appears to be the next step.

When a reporter asked afterward whether Deadpool would actually appear in “Avengers: Doomsday,” Marvel representatives declined to comment. Russo, however, was more coy after the panel. “We have a very specific story,” he told USA Film News. “But Ryan is impossible to ignore, and Deadpool is impossible to contain. I’m not saying yes, and I’m not saying no. I’m saying we’re having a conversation.”

Reynolds himself, still in costume backstage, doubled down on his campaign. “Look, I respect the integrity of the MCU,” he said. “But if three universes are in danger, you call the guy who makes jokes about it. That’s me. I’m the guy.” He then added, with a wink, “And if they need someone to do a cameo where I just fall down some stairs and get stepped on by Doom’s flying castle, I’m in. Actually, I prefer that kind of death. It’s very on-brand.”

The film currently holds a TMDb rating of 0/10, but that’s a placeholder until reviews drop closer to its December release. With a director known for juggling massive casts and a premise that literally promises multiversal chaos, the door - even if only a crack - remains open for Deadpool’s signature brand of chaos.

As Comic-Con continues through the week, Reynolds’ Comic-Con appearance will likely be remembered as the moment Deadpool finally stormed the gates of Earth’s mightiest heroes. Whether he makes the final cut of “Avengers: Doomsday” is still a secret only Marvel knows. But if the crowd’s reaction was any indication, the answer should be a loud, profane yes.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter