The Marvel Cinematic Universe is building toward its most ambitious crossover yet with Avengers: Doomsday, set for release on December 18, 2026. Directed by the Russo Brothers, this epic pits Earth’s heroes against Robert Downey Jr.’s menacing Doctor Doom in a story laced with multiversal chaos. Amid the confirmed returns of stars like Anthony Mackie as Captain America, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, and a slew of legacy X-Men actors, online buzz has exploded over rumors of Deadpool assembling a ragtag team of variants from doomed timelines. Fans are speculating wildly about a resistance force featuring classic portrayals of iconic characters, potentially surviving the multiverse’s collapse to fight on in Avengers: Secret Wars.

Deadpool’s Expanding Role in the Multiverse Saga

Ryan Reynolds’ Wade Wilson made a triumphant MCU debut in Deadpool & Wolverine, shattering box office records and proving the character’s chaotic energy fits seamlessly into larger ensembles. Reynolds’ return for Doomsday has been widely reported, though he won’t be joining the core Avengers lineup in the traditional sense. Instead, speculation points to Deadpool operating on the fringes—perhaps recruited by the TVA or driven by his own irreverent sense of heroism—to rally survivors from collapsing realities.

The multiverse’s instability, teased since Loki and amplified in Deadpool & Wolverine‘s Void sequences, sets the stage for incursions that could wipe out entire timelines. Rumors suggest Deadpool, ever the opportunist, scouts “the best” variants to form an unconventional squad. This team would inject humor, nostalgia, and raw action into the grim stakes of Doom’s rising threat, blending fourth-wall breaks with high-octane battles.

The Rumored Resistance Team: Legacy Variants Assemble

At the heart of the excitement is a purported lineup drawing from pre-MCU Marvel films, pulling beloved actors and characters from “destroyed” universes:

Tom Holland’s Spider-Man: The current MCU web-slinger could face a variant crisis, forcing him into unlikely alliances.
Nicolas Cage’s Ghost Rider: The flaming-skulled anti-hero from the 2000s films brings supernatural edge and hellfire punisher vibes.
Jessica Alba’s Sue Storm: The Invisible Woman from the mid-2000s Fantastic Four movies adds scientific smarts and force-field prowess.
Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine: Fresh off his bromance with Deadpool, Logan’s claws are primed for more multiversal mayhem.
Wesley Snipes’ Blade: The Daywalker returns with vampire-slaying expertise and unmatched cool.
Dafne Keen’s X-23: Laura’s feral ferocity complements Wolverine’s style, forming a deadly family duo.
Jennifer Garner’s Elektra: The sai-wielding assassin brings martial arts mastery and gritty determination.

This eclectic group evokes the Void resistance from Deadpool & Wolverine, where Snipes, Garner, Keen, and others briefly united. Expanded here, they’d represent a “best-of” survivors’ club—handpicked by Deadpool for their skills, attitude, or sheer entertainment value. Imagine the banter: Deadpool’s quips clashing with Blade’s stoicism, Ghost Rider’s demonic flair, or Spider-Man’s wide-eyed optimism.

Ties to Battleworld and the Road to Secret Wars

The bigger picture involves the multiverse’s endgame. Avengers: Doomsday is expected to escalate incursions, leading to the patchwork planet Battleworld in Avengers: Secret Wars (2027). This cobbled-together world from comic lore—ruled by a god-like villain—could host surviving factions in a resistance against Doom’s dominion.

Deadpool’s team, forged in the fires of destruction, positions them perfectly as underground fighters on Battleworld. Their “destroyed universes” origin gives emotional weight: heroes mourning lost homes, fueled by defiance. It mirrors comic events like Secret Wars, where unlikely allies band together, but with MCU flair—nostalgic cameos, meta humor, and epic clashes.

Other rumors swirl around additional variants: Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man teaming with Wolverine and Deadpool, or clashes between MCU heroes and Fox-era X-Men. Confirmed elements include legacy mutants like Patrick Stewart’s Professor X and Ian McKellen’s Magneto, hinting at factional wars before unity against Doom.

Why This Rumor Has Fans Hyped

In a saga criticized for stakes feeling low, this concept delivers visceral impact: entire worlds erased, forcing ragtag survivors to adapt. Deadpool as recruiter adds levity—his “best” picks prioritizing fun over strategy—while honoring fan-favorite portrayals often sidelined in the main MCU.

It capitalizes on Deadpool & Wolverine‘s success, expanding that film’s cameo magic into a full arc. Nostalgia meets innovation: Cage’s fiery Rider burning demons, Alba’s Sue shielding the team, Snipes’ Blade slicing through Doom’s forces—all under Deadpool’s irreverent leadership.

Challenges abound—coordinating schedules, integrating tones—but the payoff could redefine crossover events. A resistance surviving to Secret Wars promises ongoing roles, perhaps evolving into a post-saga team.

The Multiverse’s Ultimate Showdown Awaits

As Doomsday filming progresses, leaks and teases keep anticipation sky-high. Whether this exact team materializes or evolves, the idea of Deadpool rallying variants from fallen timelines captures the Multiverse Saga’s spirit: chaos, heart, and boundless possibilities.

With Doom looming and realities crumbling, this rumored squad embodies resilience—misfits refusing to fade. Fans are already dreaming of explosive team-ups, heartfelt losses, and Deadpool’s signature commentary on the apocalypse.

The countdown to December 2026 has begun. Whatever form it takes, Avengers: Doomsday promises to be a game-changer, bridging eras and unleashing multiversal mayhem like never before.