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Fans have yet to learn exactly what Marvel Studios is cooking up for Deadpool. In lieu of an official announcement, the rumor mill continues to speculate what Deadpool 3 will look like. Ryan Reynolds’ grand entrance into the Marvel Cinematic Universe could even mark the beginning of a new trilogy of solo movies. Yet, if this is the case, it could be bad news for his supporting cast.

Zazie Beetz at a 'Deadpool 2' event
Zazie Beetz at a ‘Deadpool 2’ event | Sebastian Reuter/WireImage

Which supporting players could appear in ‘Deadpool 3’?

Throughout the first two Deadpool movies, audiences learn a lot about Wade Wilson (Reynolds). His romance with Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) is key to both films. And since Deadpool revives her in the mid-credits sequence of Deadpool 2, Vanessa could conceivably return.

Likewise, the surviving X-Force line-up might pop up in the MCU. With Thanos dead and gone (for now), Josh Brolin is free to return as Cable. Likewise, Zazie Beetz — a standout of Deadpool 2 — could return as lucky mutant Domino. Even Julian Dennison’s Russell aka Firefist could reappear.

Then, of course, there are X-Men Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand), her girlfriend Yukio (Shiori Kutsuna), and Colossus (voiced by Stefan Kapičić). Since Marvel Studios will probably reboot all the X-Men, these heroes are perhaps less likely to join the MCU than most.

Aside from his fellow heroes, Deadpool’s loyal allies include Dopinder (Karan Soni), Blind Al (Leslie Uggams), and Weasel (T.J. Miller). The first two certainly might be poised for a comeback. But Miller’s already confirmed he will not be returning to the franchise.

Why Marvel Studios should bring Ryan Reynolds’ ensemble cast

Deadpool’s first two movies did a lot of groundwork in establishing the character. But in the same fashion, it introduced several memorable supporting characters whom Reynolds can play off of. So it would be a shame to see the MCU undo those fun dynamics in one fell swoop.

Besides, many of the characters have stories left to tell. In the comics, Vanessa becomes a mutant named Copycat who joins X-Force. And speaking of that team, the MCU would have a built-in Avengers-style spin-off movie ready to go after Deadpool 3.

Prior to the Disney acquisition, Fox was developing an X-Force movie. Particularly if Deadpool 3 keeps the R rating intact, the MCU could easily turn Deadpool, Domino, Cable, Firefist, and Copycat into the starting line-up for that team-up movie. X-Force could bring other mutant heroes in too.

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Why the MCU should instead give Deadpool a clean slate

As much fun as it sounds for the MCU to keep the Fox Deadpool train rolling, it’s probably not where the series is headed. The first two Deadpool movies worked because they were detached from the main X-Men series. But for Reynolds to fit within the larger tapestry of the MCU, the character requires a clean break.

Some of his supporting characters could pop up down the line. But if they do, Marvel Studios will probably recast. After all, the company still opted to reboot Spider-Man once it struck a deal with Sony. The MCU could have easily adopted either the Tobey Maguire or Andrew Garfield movie. Likewise, Deadpool 3 needs to make room for some Avengers.

Bringing in an existing cast of characters might just be too much baggage for Deadpool 3. Perhaps the MCU could find a way to sneak one or two of Reynold’s castmates in with him. Beetz’ Domino in particular proved to be a fan favorite. Still, Deadpool fans hoping to see a ton of familiar faces when Reynolds makes his MCU debut will likely be disappointed.

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