In a surprising twist, Robert Downey Jr. declined a significant cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine, despite the film’s star Ryan Reynolds’ eagerness to include him. The role would have featured Iron Man in a pivotal scene, adding another layer to the MCU’s intricate web of character appearances.
The planned cameo was a nod to Downey Jr.’s legacy as Iron Man, with an early scene where Deadpool pitches himself to Happy Hogan initially including Tony Stark. This would have cleverly connected to Iron Man’s sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame. Reynolds, a huge MCU fan, was excited about the potential interaction between Deadpool and Stark, envisioning the two characters bouncing off each other with their distinct personalities.
Despite the enthusiasm, Downey Jr. turned down the role. The refusal came as a surprise to the writers, who were used to actors being eager to join the Deadpool franchise, especially given its reputation for fun and memorable cameos. This was reportedly the only rejection they faced in casting for the film.
Downey Jr.’s decision to decline was influenced by his upcoming role as Doctor Doom in the MCU, making a Deadpool cameo potentially conflicting. This new direction for Downey Jr. suggests a significant shift in his Marvel journey, with Avengers: Doomsday set to showcase his return in a fresh villainous role.
The refusal of Downey Jr. marks a rare instance in the Deadpool franchise, which has successfully attracted numerous high-profile cameos. The MCU’s evolving narrative, particularly Downey Jr.’s transition from Iron Man to Doctor Doom, signals a bold move in Marvel’s storytelling strategy.
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Writer Paul Wernick mentioned, “No one says no to Ryan Reynolds,” highlighting the rarity of such a refusal. Rhett Reese, co-writer, also noted, “This was the only ‘no’ we’ve ever gotten,” underscoring the unusual nature of Downey Jr.’s decision.
Downey Jr.’s decision to skip the Deadpool & Wolverine cameo reflects the evolving nature of the MCU, where even the biggest stars are making strategic choices. As fans eagerly await his return as Doctor Doom, the missed cameo leaves room for speculation on how different the film might have been with Stark’s presence.