Ryan Reynolds has thanked the fans who helped turn Deadpool into one of Marvel's most successful film franchises, sharing a behind-the-scenes video of his undercover appearance at San Diego Comic-Con shortly after confirming that another outing for the Merc with a Mouth is in development.
Posting the video on X, Reynolds reflected on the franchise's journey over the last decade. "The fans got Deadpool off the ground so many years ago," he wrote. Marking 10 years since the first Deadpool film and two years since Deadpool & Wolverine, the actor added that he felt "so lucky" to walk the San Diego Comic-Con floor with fans "whose unapologetic devotion brings so much joy to this world."
The video captures Reynolds mingling with attendees in full Deadpool costume before making a surprise appearance during Marvel Studios' Hall H presentation. One of its highlights features Avengers: Doomsday star Robert Downey Jr inviting him on stage with a playful introduction, asking, "Who's this guy with the swords and stuff?"
Staying in character, Reynolds responded with Deadpool's trademark wit: "Long-time listener, first-time caller. This seems an awfully expensive way to announce a film. When do you start filming?" The quip drew loud cheers from the Hall H audience.
The Comic-Con appearance comes just days after Reynolds hinted that a fourth Deadpool film is actively taking shape. Speaking at Fantastic Fest in New York, the actor revealed that he has been revisiting lesser-known storylines from the comics and praised writers Fabian Nicieza and Gerry Duggan for creating material he hopes to draw inspiration from. He also assured fans that "eventually, remotely, another Deadpool film" will happen and said it "is going to be great".
Reynolds first played a version of Wade Wilson in 2009's X-Men Origins: Wolverine, before a leaked test reel in 2014 helped convince the studio to greenlight a standalone Deadpool film. Released in 2016, the film earned him a Golden Globe nomination and launched a blockbuster franchise that continued with Deadpool 2 (2018) and last year's Deadpool & Wolverine. The latter grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide, pushing the franchise's cumulative box office beyond the $2 billion mark.