Deadpool appeared in the first official trailer for X-Men '97 Season 2 — albeit as a shapeshifter disguise — reigniting speculation about his role in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. The cameo arrives after Deadpool & Wolverine grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing R-rated film ever. Ryan Reynolds has publicly favored supporting roles going forward, leaving Marvel to keep the Merc with a Mouth visible across platforms.

A $1.3 billion franchise pivots to cameo mode

According to the source, Reynolds has expressed interest in continuing as Deadpool but envisions the character more as a supporting player rather than a headliner. Having fronted three standalone films, the actor prefers cameo appearaances over committing to lengthy productions. The $1.3 billion box office haul of Deadpool & Wolverine paradoxically gives Marvel the confidence to use Deadpool sparingly — a luxury not every superhero franchise affords. The move aligns with Reynolds' own stated preference, as noted in the original report.

How a shapeshifter's disguise became a multiplatform signal

As the source reports, the X-Men '97 trailer features a brief scene of Morph transforming into Deadpool — an unexpected cameo that, while not a genuine appearance, underscores Marvel's strategy of keeping the character relevant across film, television, and animation. X-Men '97 Season 2 premieres July 1, and the inclusion of Deadpool even as a visual gag suggests the studio is testing audience appetite for the character in non-live-action formats. This multiplatform approach mirrors how Marvel has deployed other fan-favorite charactes like Spider-Man across animated series and blockbuster films simultaneously.

Why the Avengers: Doomsday cast list omission doesn't rule out Deadpool

Reynolds was not included in the initial cast announcement for Avengers: Doomsday, set for release on December 18.. However, as the source points out, Chris Evans also missed the initial list yet later landed a significant role. Fan speculation remains high, buoyed by the X-Men '97 cameo. The parallel suggests Marvel may be deliberately holding back reveals to preserve surprise. Still, no official confirmation has been made, leaving the door open for either a small cameo or no appearance at all.

Ryan Reynolds' cameo preference: three lingering questions about Avengers: Doomsday

While the trailer fuels hope, several critical unknowns remain. First, has Reynolds actually filmed any scenes for Avengers: Doomsday, or is the X-Men '97 cameo the entirety of his near-term Marvel presence? Second, does the animated appearance signal that Deadpool's next big-screen role will be equally brief, or could it be a misdirection? Third, the source does not quote any official Marvel or Reynolds representatives about the Doomsday involvement — only fan speculation and the reported cameo preference. without direct confirmation, the cameo remains just that: a tease.