As Deadpool 3 welcomes Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds to the MCU, excitement is brewing as Jackman's stunt double hints at an epic rivalry between the two lead heroes.
With both actors working hard to get in shape for their biggest team-up yet, the movie will mark the X-Men's debut in the MCU after Disney's merger with 20th Century Fox.
While the plot is said to have a "fish-out-of-water" element for Wade Wilson, Wolverine's appearance will be crucial to the adventure, marking Jackman's return to the superhero genre after his last appearance in 2017's Logan. In fact, reports suggest that Jackman will be playing a "dual role" in the MCU's final 2024 movie.
But the real highlight for fans will be the reunion of Jackman and Reynolds, forming a duo that has been highly anticipated in the MCU for a long time.
Deadpool vs. Wolverine Battle Teased for Deadpool 3
Daniel Stevens, who is serving as Hugh Jackman's stunt double on Deadpool 3, shared a new reel on Instagram with a picture of himself from the gym.
Stevens posted an image of himself in a tank top showing off his biceps and arms, captioning the photo with a message to Ryan Reynolds that noted he's "preparing for [Reynolds'] beating," teasing a face-off between Jackman's Logan and the Merc with a Mouth.
Stevens went the extra mile by incorporating the timeless theme music from X-Men: The Animated Series, which made a couple of appearances in the MCU last year during Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Ms. Marvel.
In a January interview with People Magazine, Jackman shared his thoughts on the dynamic between Wolverine and Deadpool, describing it as a new experience for him and teasing that it will be an enjoyable challenge to take on.
"When I keep thinking of me and Ryan, of Deadpool and Wolverine, which are classic comic-book rivals, there’s also a dynamic that I’ve never really got to do before as Wolverine. I just thought, 'This is gonna be fun. Something I’ve never done before. I can’t wait.'"
How Will Deadpool & Wolverine's Fight Scene Play Out?
It's no surprise that Hugh Jackman's stunt double is fully committed to portraying the intense rivalry between Wolverine and Deadpool, given the playful yet competitive comments exchanged by Jackman and Ryan Reynolds since their joint involvement in Deadpool 3 was announced.
Fans are eagerly anticipating what the MCU has in store for the Merc with a Mouth, with both actors frequently poking fun at each other. According to Stevens, this amusing bickering is expected to culminate in an explosive fight scene between the two heroes. Given Wade Wilson's ability to withstand significant damage, it's likely that Logan won't hold back during their encounter. However, it remains to be seen if they will face off more than once.
*Comics Image from Wolverine Helps Deadpool Get Over Depression- Deadpool Issue 27 (1999)*
The burning question now is to what extent Reynolds and Jackman will fully embrace the dynamic between Deadpool and Wolverine, particularly since they are the first mutants to lead the already-successful franchise.
Deadpool 3 is set to arrive in theaters on November 8, 2024.