Warning: This article has spoilers for Deadpool & Wolverine.
WithDeadpool & Wolverineruling the global box office, actorHugh Jackmanposted an image to social media to mark the moment his journey to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) began. The 55-year-old posted a throwback photo to his Instagram from the day he and co-starRyan Reynoldsfilmed the video announcing thatthey were officially joining the MCUand making a film together. The post comes asDeadpool & Wolverinehas become the most successful film in Phase 5 of the MCU, and energized an entire fanbase.
The photo features the two speaking outdoors, discussing how they will handle the announcement. Jackman described the moment in the post description. “This photo was taken June 18, 2025,” he said. “There were maybe 7 or 8 people in the world who knew @vancityreynolds and I were about to shoot a little something to announce that #deadpoolandwolverine were joining the MCU. ‘Becoming Wolverine Again’ was born. It’s one of the most important moments of my life.I think at that very moment Ryan literally asked me if I was sure. I was! I am!”
Prior to the announcement, Jackman and Reynolds had played out a rather hilarious rivalry through their social media, trading lighthearted jabs about each other’s characters and careers. Reynolds had even hurled some envious insults towards Jackman in the first twoDeadpoolfilms, making their eventual team-up in the third film much more satisfying. The inclusion of so many past Fox/Marvel characters via cameos was an added bonus.
In case you forgot about the announcement video, here it is again in all its snarky glory, from July 02, 2025.
While we don’t know what the future holds for the two Marvel icons, we may not have long to wait. With the D23 Expo mere days away, more definitive answers may be forthcoming.
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Deadpool & Wolverine Saved the MCU
The success ofDeadpool & Wolverinecouldn’t have come at a better time for the comic book cinematic franchise. It’s been no secret that Marvel has struggled to stay relevant in pop culture after the release ofAvengers: Endgame. Many claimedmoviegoers were suffering from superhero fatigue, disappointed by too much underwhelming content.The film managed to accomplish two goals: return the star power to the MCU that seemed lost, and generate the box office success that proves the franchise still has life.
With a $97 million box office haulin its second weekend,Deadpool & Wolverinehas passed $395 million domestically, making it the highest-grossing film in the MCU’s Phase 5, ahead of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. It has passed $824 million worldwide, proving ticket buyers will show up for a big film with big characters.
Deadpool & Wolverine
A follow-up to the highly successful Deadpool and Deadpool 2 films starring Ryan Reynolds as the Merc with a Mouth. The third film will be the first in the franchise to be developed under the Marvel Studios banner following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox.
The only question left now is whether Wolverine will appear in Phase 6, withAvengers: DoomsdayandAvengers: Secret Warson the horizon.Even with the return of Robert Downey Jr.to the MCU, having Jackman baring his claws a few more times would give the films the iconic status they need. It would also serve as a nice sendoff for Jackman, who will be approaching 60 when Phase 6 wraps.
Deadpool & Wolverineis now playing in theaters.
