In a dramatic turn of events, Disney and Marvel Studios are reeling from a bombshell dropped by Ryan Reynolds, the star behind the billion-dollar Deadpool franchise, who has revealed his involvement in the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday, set to hit theaters on December 18, 2026. The actor, known for his irreverent humor and penchant for breaking the fourth wall, sent shockwaves through the industry with a cryptic social media post captioned “Money or I Leak All!” alongside an image of the Avengers logo defaced with a spray-painted “A.” The post, which ignited rampant speculation about his role as Deadpool in the upcoming MCU epic, has reportedly plunged Disney into a state of panic as they scramble to contain potential spoilers for one of their biggest films. With Avengers: Doomsday poised to unite the Avengers, Fantastic Four, and X-Men against the formidable Doctor Doom, Reynolds’ actions have raised questions about his intentions, the stability of the production, and the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

A Cryptic Tease Sparks Frenzy

Ryan Reynolds, 48, has never been one to shy away from stirring the pot. His August 2025 Instagram post, featuring the vandalized Avengers logo, sent Marvel fans into a frenzy, with many interpreting it as confirmation of his return as Wade Wilson/Deadpool in Avengers: Doomsday. The caption, “Money or I Leak All!” was widely seen as a tongue-in-cheek threat to reveal sensitive details about the film, which is currently in production under the direction of Anthony and Joe Russo. The post, liked by over 3 million users within hours, fueled speculation that Reynolds was either joking or leveraging his involvement for a bigger payday or creative control.

The timing of Reynolds’ post was particularly disruptive, as Marvel Studios has been tight-lipped about the film’s cast and plot, especially after confirming Robert Downey Jr.’s return as Doctor Doom at San Diego Comic-Con in 2024. The studio had announced a star-studded ensemble, including Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Anthony Mackie as Captain America, and X-Men veterans like Patrick Stewart as Professor X and Channing Tatum as Gambit. However, Reynolds’ name was conspicuously absent from the initial cast reveal, leading to conflicting reports about his participation. While some industry sources claimed he would appear as Deadpool, others suggested his role was unconfirmed, making his social media stunt all the more provocative.

Disney’s Panic Mode

Disney, which owns Marvel Studios, is reportedly in crisis mode following Reynolds’ post. The studio has faced challenges with the Multiverse Saga, with films like Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts underperforming at the box office. Avengers: Doomsday, with its massive budget—rumored to exceed $400 million, including Downey’s $50-60 million salary—is seen as a make-or-break moment for the MCU. Reynolds’ hint at leaking spoilers threatens to undermine Marvel’s carefully orchestrated marketing strategy, which relies on secrecy to build anticipation for the film’s multiversal showdown.

Insiders suggest that Disney executives are particularly concerned about Reynolds’ history of leaking sensitive material. In 2014, he admitted to orchestrating the leak of test footage for the original Deadpool film, which galvanized fan support and led to its greenlighting by Fox. That move, while ultimately successful, was a risky gamble that paid off only because of the film’s eventual $782 million box office haul. With Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) grossing over $1.3 billion and becoming the highest-grossing R-rated film ever, Reynolds wields significant leverage, and Disney fears he could disrupt their plans for Doomsday if his demands—whether financial or creative—are not met.

The “Money or I Leak All!” caption has sparked speculation that Reynolds is pushing for a higher salary or a larger role in the film. Some reports suggest he’s seeking a deal akin to Downey’s, whose hefty paycheck reflects his pivotal role as Doctor Doom. Others believe Reynolds is playfully trolling Marvel, using his Deadpool persona to generate buzz while keeping his actual involvement ambiguous. Regardless, Disney is reportedly working overtime to manage the fallout, with executives engaging in urgent discussions to ensure Reynolds’ actions don’t derail the film’s production or marketing.

The Avengers: Doomsday Landscape

Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be one of the MCU’s most ambitious projects, uniting a sprawling cast of over 27 confirmed actors and potentially up to 60 characters. The film, the first of a two-part arc concluding with Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027, centers on Doctor Doom’s attempt to dominate the Multiverse. Downey’s portrayal of the Latverian ruler, a master of technology and sorcery, promises a stark contrast to his iconic Tony Stark/Iron Man role. The story will see the Avengers, Fantastic Four, and X-Men—including Sebastian Stan’s Winter Soldier, Letitia Wright’s Black Panther, and Ian McKellen’s Magneto—band together to stop Doom’s multiversal crisis, potentially involving incursions that threaten to destroy entire realities.

Deadpool’s potential inclusion in this narrative poses both opportunities and challenges. The character’s irreverent humor and fourth-wall-breaking antics, while wildly successful in Deadpool & Wolverine, could clash with the serious tone of Doomsday. Fans and analysts speculate that Reynolds’ role, if confirmed, might be limited to a cameo or post-credits scene, possibly setting up a larger appearance in Secret Wars. His presence could provide comic relief amidst the film’s high stakes, but integrating an R-rated antihero into a PG-13 ensemble requires careful handling to avoid alienating audiences expecting a more grounded narrative.

Behind-the-Scenes Tensions

Reynolds’ social media post comes amid reports of turbulence on the Doomsday set. Earlier in 2025, rumors surfaced of a clash between two major stars, with fans speculating that Reynolds and Downey were involved due to their high profiles and reported egos. Industry sources, however, have debunked these claims, stating that the two actors have never met in person and that there is “zero bad blood” between them. The alleged conflict stemmed from a misunderstanding over a joke, but subsequent reports clarified that it did not involve Reynolds, who has not been confirmed to have filmed any scenes.

Further complicating matters, Downey reportedly demanded reshoots for scenes initially filmed with a stand-in for Doctor Doom, costing Disney millions and highlighting his influence over the production. These reshoots, combined with the logistical challenges of managing a massive ensemble, have fueled perceptions of dysfunction on set. Reynolds’ cryptic post has only added to the narrative of chaos, with some fans speculating that he’s using his leverage as the star of Marvel’s biggest recent hit to assert control or simply stir the pot for publicity.

Reynolds’ Deadpool Legacy

Reynolds’ history with Deadpool gives context to his bold move. His decade-long fight to bring the character to the screen, culminating in the 2014 test footage leak, demonstrates his willingness to take risks for creative control. Deadpool & Wolverine not only revitalized the MCU but also integrated Deadpool into its universe, alongside Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine and Channing Tatum’s Gambit. The film’s success has made Reynolds a key figure in Marvel’s strategy, especially as the studio seeks to incorporate X-Men characters into Doomsday and Secret Wars. His playful yet provocative approach to the Doomsday rumors aligns with Deadpool’s anarchic persona, but it also underscores the power he wields in an industry where his films have consistently outperformed expectations.

At the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025, Reynolds addressed the Doomsday speculation with characteristic humor while promoting his documentary John Candy: I Like Me. When asked about including John Candy Easter eggs in the film, he quipped, “There’s four that I’ve got in there. Of course, I’ve written them all at home in my PJs, and nobody’s seen ’em nor have I stepped foot on set.” This sarcastic response neither confirmed nor denied his involvement, keeping fans guessing while amplifying the buzz around his potential role.

Disney’s Response and Future Implications

Disney’s response to Reynolds’ stunt has been one of cautious containment. The studio has neither confirmed nor denied his involvement, with Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige teasing that additional casting announcements are forthcoming. The secrecy surrounding Doomsday is typical of Marvel’s approach, but Reynolds’ actions have forced the studio to navigate a delicate balance between maintaining hype and preventing leaks. Some insiders suggest that Disney is considering accelerating the reveal of Deadpool’s role to mitigate the risk of further spoilers, while others believe Reynolds’ post was a calculated move to pressure the studio into finalizing his contract.

The broader implications for Avengers: Doomsday are significant. The film’s success hinges on its ability to deliver a cohesive narrative despite its sprawling cast and complex multiversal plot. Reynolds’ potential inclusion could boost its box office appeal, given Deadpool & Wolverine’s performance, but it also risks overshadowing other characters, such as Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards or Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova. Fans are eager to see how Deadpool’s humor integrates with Doom’s gravitas, especially given Downey’s reported commitment to a comic-accurate portrayal of the villain.

A High-Stakes Gamble

As Avengers: Doomsday continues production, Reynolds’ “Money or I Leak All!” gambit has placed Disney in an unenviable position. The studio must balance the star’s undeniable draw with the need to protect the film’s surprises, all while managing a production fraught with logistical and creative challenges. Whether Reynolds is genuinely threatening to leak spoilers or simply embodying Deadpool’s chaotic spirit, his actions have ensured that all eyes are on Doomsday. With its release still over a year away, the film is already shaping up to be a cultural juggernaut, and Reynolds’ role—confirmed or not—will be a defining factor in its legacy. For now, Disney can only hope that the Merc with a Mouth keeps his secrets, or at least saves them for the big screen.