Ever since Deadpool & Wolverine hit the theatres last week, it’s been the talk of the town, thanks to its hilarious dialogue, outrageous action sequences, and a veritable smorgasbord of cameos. The movie, which stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, has received praise for its homage to past Marvel films, but there’s one conspicuous absence that has left fans scratching their heads. According to a recent interview with Reynolds himself on Collider, the cast of Fant4stic was in talks to make a cameo, but it didn’t come to fruition.
Ryan Reynolds revealed in a spoiler-filled interview with Collider’s Steve Weintraub that while the idea of including the 2015 Fantastic Four cast was considered, it ultimately fell through due to budget and licensing concerns. The movie, often stylised as Fant4stic, struggled critically and commercially, making its inclusion in the multiverse of Deadpool & Wolverine challenging. The film’s reception was so ghastly that it earned a measly 9% on Rotten Tomatoes, further complicating the potential cameo.
A Near Miss in the Multiverse
Credit: 20th Century Studios
READ MORE: When Will Godzilla Minus One Be Available To Watch On Streaming?
As a long-time Marvel fan, I can’t help but feel a bit of disappointment over this missed opportunity. Seeing the Fant4stic cast, including Miles Teller as Reed Richards, Kate Mara as Sue Storm, Michael B. Jordan as Johnny Storm, and Jamie Bell as Ben Grimm, would have been an unexpected delight. Given how Deadpool & Wolverine plays with the multiverse concept, their appearance could have added a unique flavour to the already zany narrative.
Reynolds candidly shared that while the Fant4stic cameo was part of the discussion, several factors made it impractical. The lack of impact from the 2015 film and the constraints of an R-rated budget were significant hurdles. “Yeah, that was a part of it,” Reynolds said. “But like that, you’re never going to get the mislead with like, Chris Evans, you know, with him doing it and the kind of licence to thrill after that, with Chris. So you know, and also, we were trying to be mindful of the budget.”
Marvel Studios’ Balancing Act
Credit: 20th Century Studios
READ MORE: Will Scream 7 Be Cancelled After All The Controversy?
Marvel Studios has always excelled at balancing fan service with storytelling. Including the Fant4stic cast could have pushed the boundaries of the film’s budget and licensing constraints, potentially detracting from the overall quality and coherence of the movie. Reynolds’ comments highlight the delicate balancing act required to deliver a successful film within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Despite the absence of the Fant4stic cast, Deadpool & Wolverine doesn’t lack for exciting cameos and character appearances. The film’s success at the box office and its positive reception among fans and critics alike are testaments to the meticulous planning and execution by Reynolds, director Shawn Levy, and the entire production team. The inclusion of characters from Fox’s comic book movies adds a nostalgic touch, even if the 2015 Fantastic Four was left out.
A Brighter Future for the Fantastic Four
Credit: 20th Century Studios
READ MORE: One Piece Season 2 Release Window Revealed?
Looking ahead, the future of the Fantastic Four in the MCU looks promising. The upcoming film The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to provide a fresh take on Marvel’s first family, with a star-studded cast that includes Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. Directed by Matt Shakman, this new film is set in the 1960s and will feature the fearsome Galactus as its primary antagonist.
The new direction for the Fantastic Four signifies Marvel Studios’ commitment to revamping the superhero team and integrating them seamlessly into the broader MCU. While Fant4stic may not have found its place in Deadpool & Wolverine, fans can look forward to a more refined and compelling portrayal of these beloved characters in the near future.
My Final Thoughts on the potential Fant4stic cameos
Credit: 20th Century Studios
READ MORE: When Will Demon Slayer Season 3 Episode 7 English Dub Be Released On Crunchyroll?
As much as I would have relished a Fant4stic cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine, I appreciate the creative decisions made to keep the film focused and within budget. The inclusion of too many characters and cameos could have overwhelmed the narrative, detracting from the film’s overall impact. Marvel Studios’ careful planning and execution have once again resulted in a blockbuster that satisfies both casual viewers and die-hard fans.
The future of the Fantastic Four in the MCU looks brighter than ever, and I, for one, am excited to see how Marvel will bring these iconic characters to life. In the meantime, Deadpool & Wolverine remains a must-watch for its humour, action, and nostalgic nods to the rich history of Marvel films.
