Previous Deadpool movies have introduced multiple Marvel characters, but some of these will not be returning for the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine.
Though Deadpool & Wolverine follows on from previous Deadpool movies, there are many characters not set to return. After an incredibly underwhelming beginning to his live-action movie life, Deadpool was redeemed with two well-loved adaptations of the iconic Marvel character. Deadpool is set to make his much-anticipated debut in the MCU’s movie timeline in the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine, which will serve as the Merc with a Mouth’s third movie. Ryan Reynolds is set to reprise his celebrated role alongside Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, with the film’s narrative seeing Deadpool cross over into the MCU’s main timeline.
There are already multiple characters from the first two movies that have been confirmed as returning in the upcoming Marvel movie, including Colossus, Negasonic Warhead, Yukio, Blind Al, and Dopinder. However, although Deadpool & Wolverine will reunite many previously established characters, there are other heroes that will reportedly not be a part of the character’s next movie. As the film seeks to connect Deadpool’s continuity to that of the MCU, it has a complex task ahead, and it’s presumably one that some characters will not be a functional part of. As such, here’s every character not returning for Deadpool 3.
4. Josh Brolin Is Not Returning As Cable
Introduced in: Deadpool 2 (2018)
One actor who has confirmed he will not be part of Deadpool & Wolverine’s cast is Josh Brolin, flatly denying that he will return as Cable in the upcoming sequel. Cable’s introduction in Deadpool 2 was well-received, with Brolin’s performance serving as a sound adaptation of the important mutant hero. However, Cable will not join the MCU at the same time as Deadpool and Wolverine in the sequel.
The reasons for Cable’s absence in Deadpool 3 have yet to be fully explained. Considering Josh Brolin’s previous MCU role as Thanos, it’s possible that he’s been left out in order to create more distance between the actor appearing in two major roles within the same franchise. However, as Brolin was contracted for multiple appearances, it’s highly likely Cable will join the MCU in the future, potentially as part of the franchise’s own X-Men narrative.
3. Domino Is Not About To Make Her MCU Debut
Introduced in: Deadpool 2 (2018)
Another Deadpool 2 character not set to return for Deadpool & Wolverine is Domino. Actor Zazie Beetz confirmed that she was not set to appear in the film (via Collider), and that she is unsure how her absence will be explained in Deadpool 3’s story. Considering Domino was established as a major player in Deadpool’s X-Force during Deadpool 2, her absence may seem particularly conspicuous if not addressed in the movie.
It has been speculated that the main reason for the absence of Beetz was a simple matter of budget. With both Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman starring, it’s been suggested that financial concerns may have impacted certain characters’ return, particularly if it risked overstuffing the film with unnecessary characters. Although Zazie Beetz is not currently set to make her MCU debut in Deadpool & Wolverine, Domino certainly deserves a chance to shine in the franchise in the same way she did in Deadpool 2.
2. TJ Miller’s Weasel Is Not Joining The MCU
Introduced in: Deadpool (2016)
In 2022, Miller publicly stated he would never work with Ryan Reynolds again following on-set tension during work on previous Deadpool movies (per The Hollywood Reporter). Miller also found himself embroiled in multiple legal issues and allegations (The Direct) which resulted in multiple movies dropping the actor, prompting speculation that this is likely the reason he won’t appear in Deadpool & Wolverine. Regardless of the reasons, it has been confirmed that Weasel will not be a part of the upcoming sequel.
1. Firefist’s Return Would Undermine His Character Arc
Introduced in: Deadpool 2 (2018)
Another character who appeared in Fox’s X-Men movie franchise in Deadpool 2 is confirmed not to be returning in Deadpool & Wolverine. Julian Dennison played the young Russell Collins (A.K.A. Firefist) in Deadpool 2, serving as the film’s potential antagonist and one of its most complex figures. Dennison’s role in the movie as a blossoming villain provided an interesting moral dilemma for its hero as he attempted to protect the child from Cable. However, Firefist will not be in Deadpool 3.
Speaking with CBR, actor Julian Dennison confirmed he will not be in the upcoming sequel. Considering his story did not end in Deadpool 2, there was still room for an interesting development arc for Russell, but this will not come in Deadpool & Wolverine. It’s possible that Dennison could make his debut in the MCU at a later date, but according to the actor, it’s not forthcoming in Phase 6.
Other Deadpool 2 Characters Missing From Deadpool & Wolverine’s Trailer
There are other minor characters introduced in Deadpool 2 that will seemingly not be a part of Deadpool & Wolverine, too. Though some X-Force members are set to return, Brad Pitt’s Vanisher, Terry Crews’ Bedlam, and Bill Skarsgård’s Zeitgeist were all notably absent from the trailer. As each of the actors is a major Hollywood star, it’s likely their involvement would be highly publicized, making their potential inclusion in Deadpool 3 seem altogether unlikely.
Deadpool 2 also introduced a number of other prominent Marvel characters who do not seem to be returning. Hope Summers made her live-action debut as a child shown in Cable’s flashback, and Juggernaut appeared played in part by Ryan Reynolds. Furthermore, the comic book antagonist Black Tom Cassidy featured in the previous movie. However, it appears that none of those characters are set to be a part of Deadpool & Wolverine, meaning that they’ll have to wait longer to make their first MCU appearances.
