Deadpool Was This Close to Dying—Ryan Reynolds Confesses to 45 Days of Rewrites!

In a revelation that has shocked even the most die-hard Marvel fans, Ryan Reynolds has confessed he once considered killing off Deadpool in Deadpool & Wolverine, the very film that marked the antihero’s explosive entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

The idea, while never realized, speaks volumes about Reynolds’ creative risk-taking. During a recent appearance on The Box Office Podcast, the actor and producer revealed that he and the creative team, including director Shawn Levy and editors Shane Reid and Dean Zimmerman, toiled over the film’s final act for a grueling 45 days. “There’s always the thought of killing Deadpool in the last one,” Reynolds admitted. “It’s like listening to the movie.”

Ultimately, Deadpool survived, a decision that proved financially—and narratively—wise. Deadpool & Wolverine shattered records, raking in $1.338 billion globally and earning the title of the highest-grossing R-rated film debut in cinema history. The blend of R-rated mayhem, relentless meta-humor, and the long-awaited return of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine proved to be the perfect storm for Marvel fans.

Still, the notion of killing off Wade Wilson wasn’t just a gimmick. It was part of a serious exploration of how to ground a character known for defying every rule in the superhero playbook. But for now, Marvel is keeping Deadpool alive—and that opens a world of possibilities.

Although no official announcements have confirmed Reynolds’ role in upcoming MCU projects like Avengers: Doomsday, speculation is swirling. The multiverse concept at the heart of Marvel’s future phases makes a surprise Deadpool cameo feel less like an “if” and more like a “when.” Fans are especially hopeful for future collaborations with the X-Men, which aligns with Reynolds’ vision of Deadpool thriving in ensemble casts.

Rumors of a team-up film featuring Deadpool and select X-Men are gaining traction, particularly as Marvel pivots to highlight its mutant roster. Given Deadpool’s established presence and enormous box office pull, inserting him into the MCU’s mutant future seems like a strategic no-brainer.

For now, Wade Wilson lives—scarred, sarcastic, and still standing. But the near-death plot twist left on the cutting room floor may yet find new life in Marvel’s ever-expanding universe. After all, in the MCU, no one’s truly dead. Especially not the guy who breaks the fourth wall just to remind you of it.