Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds has sent Marvel fans into a frenzy after posting a mysterious image on Instagram this week, reviving speculation about his return in the upcoming blockbuster Avengers: Doomsday.
The post, which featured the Avengers logo defaced with Deadpool-style red graffiti, instantly grabbed attention across social media. The stylised design — resembling both the iconic Avengers "A" and an anarchy symbol — has been interpreted by fans as a deliberate hint at the wisecracking anti-hero's involvement in the film.
Reynolds' portrayal of Deadpool has become one of the most popular characters in the Marvel pantheon since the release of Deadpool (2016) and Deadpool 2 (2018). His most recent outing, last year's Deadpool & Wolverine, became a global phenomenon, raking in $1.3 billion at the box office and uniting him on screen with Hugh Jackman's Wolverine for the first time under the Marvel Studios banner.
Despite the character's success, Marvel's official "big chair" cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday did not include Reynolds. However, the film's sprawling, multiverse-driven storyline — combined with Deadpool's unpredictable, fourth-wall-breaking nature — has kept speculation alive for months.
The timing of Reynolds' post is also fuelling excitement.
Marvel is deep into production on Doomsday, and insiders suggest that another major cast announcement could be imminent. The film, which is slated to release ahead of Avengers: Secret Wars, is being positioned as a pivotal chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), bringing together characters from multiple timelines and franchises.
Filming has been under way for several months, with set photos revealing appearances by Sam Wilson's Avengers line-up, members of The Thunderbolts and The Fantastic Four, and even legacy X-Men characters.
Leaked images have shown actors Patrick Stewart (Professor X), James Marsden (Cyclops), and Ian McKellen (Magneto) reprising their roles from the former Fox X-Men films. The return to the Fox X-Men universe has only heightened hopes for a Deadpool & Wolverine reunion within Doomsday.
Given Reynolds' history of teasing fans with playful misdirection, many are reading the Instagram post as more than just a joke.
Marvel Studios has remained tight-lipped about the possibility. A spokesperson declined to comment on casting rumours, saying only that Avengers: Doomsday will feature "some of the most unexpected alliances in MCU history."
For now, the speculation game continues - and if Reynolds' online track record is anything to go by, fans can expect more cryptic clues before the studio makes anything official. Avengers: Doomsday is currently set for worldwide release in May 2026.
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