Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman have sent the Marvel fanbase into a frenzy with a new video that looks like a hostage situation. The clip, which was first shown at Disney’s D23 Expo, shows Jackman seemingly forced to ask Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige for a spot in the upcoming movie Avengers: Doomsday. This playful video has fans convinced that the recent leaks about Wolverine and Deadpool appearing in the film might actually be true.
The video has taken over social media, with both actors sharing it on their Instagram and X accounts. Reynolds even wrote, “If this feels like a hostage video, it’s because it’s a hostage video.” Jackman, on the other hand, posted the clip with the caption, “If this looks like I am recording this video against my will. It’s because I AM.” The whole thing is clearly a joke, but it has fans wondering if there is more truth to it than they are letting on.
The D23 Video That Got Everyone Talking
The video was played during the Marvel Studios presentation at the D23 Expo in Anaheim on August 14, 2026. In the clip, Jackman is seen recording a message for Kevin Feige. He says, “Hey Kevin, hope you’re all having a great time. I just wanted to check in, just totally unprompted, and just wondering if you might need some help rounding out the cast.” Off-screen, Reynolds can be heard telling Jackman what to say, even calling themselves “the golden ones” and “special.” Jackman then adds that he would love to join and might even be able to convince Ryan to appear in Avengers: Doomsday.
The humor comes from Jackman’s reluctance. At one point, he tells Reynolds that the film’s team has already finished filming and that the cast already has 28 leading characters. But Reynolds pushes him to continue, even threatening that the next Marvel film could be called “Deadpool and Spider-Man and literally everyone except Wolverine.” Jackman gives in and finishes his pitch, ending the video by looking at Reynolds and saying, “I hate you so much.” Reynolds just laughs and replies, “I know, me too.”
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The video quickly became a talking point online. Jackman’s post on Instagram got over 380,000 likes in just three hours, while Reynolds’ post crossed 478,000 likes in four hours. Fans flooded the comments section with their thoughts. One top comment on Jackman’s post, with over 13,000 likes, said that after this video and Reynolds’ appearance at Comic-Con, it would be hilarious if they are not actually in the movie.
Another fan wrote, “Both Wolverine and Deadpool will definitely be in Avengers: Doomsday now.” Over on Reynolds’ post, one user asked, “So are y’all in Doomsday? I don’t want to get my hopes up.” Some fans also pointed out the joke about “Deadpool and Spider-Man,” which is interesting given that Tom Holland‘s recent Spider-Man: Brand New Day has already crossed $1.6 billion worldwide.
What the Leaks Have Been Saying
For weeks, rumors have been swirling about Wolverine and Deadpool’s involvement in Avengers: Doomsday. A leaked storyline that went viral about a month ago claimed that the two characters would play important roles in the beginning of the film. According to that rumor, the movie would start with Wolverine and Deadpool destroying a universe that belongs to Tobey Maguire‘s Spider-Man with a planet-killing bomb. While Marvel has not confirmed any of this, the new video seems to line up with those leaks.
Some international outlets have already reported that Jackman and Reynolds are officially part of the cast. Italian site Everyeye stated that during the D23 presentation, it was announced that both actors would officially be part of the Russo Brothers’ crossover film. The Playlist also reported that the video ultimately confirmed that both actors will return as Wolverine and Deadpool.
The Massive Cast of Avengers: Doomsday
Avengers: Doomsday already has one of the biggest casts ever assembled for a superhero movie. The film, directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, includes Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, Chris Evans as Steve Rogers, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, and Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards. Other names include Anthony Mackie, Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Vanessa Kirby, Paul Rudd, and Tom Hiddleston.
The movie also brings back the original X-Men cast from the Fox era. Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, James Marsden, Rebecca Romijn, Kelsey Grammer, and Alan Cumming are all set to appear. With Jackman and Reynolds now seemingly added to the mix, the film is shaping up to be a true multiverse event.
Release Date and What to Expect
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to hit theaters on December 18, 2026. The film is the first of a two-part saga, with Avengers: Secret Wars following on December 17, 2027. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has said that the “Time Runs Out” storyline from the comics is a major inspiration for the film. The story will bring together the Avengers, New Avengers, Wakandans, Fantastic Four, and X-Men as their universes collide under the threat of Doctor Doom.
A new trailer was also shown at D23, which focused heavily on Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom. The trailer shows Doom in a darker light, with Susan Storm (Vanessa Kirby) saying, “Victor was always the smartest guy in the room. He used to be different. He used to be kind, he used to be caring, and then, everything he loved was taken from him.” The trailer ends with Doom summoning Sentinels and declaring, “Hell answers to me for I am Doom.”
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Why This Matters for the MCU
The possible return of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine is a big deal for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Jackman first played the character in 2000’s X-Men and said goodbye to the role with 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine. But his appearance at D23 has raised questions about whether he is truly done with the character. If the rumors are true, Avengers: Doomsday could be the start of a new chapter for Wolverine in the MCU.
The video also fits perfectly with the playful rivalry that Jackman and Reynolds have built over the years. Their friendship has produced some of the funniest moments in superhero movie marketing, and this “hostage video” is no exception. Whether or not they actually appear in the film, the two actors have once again shown that they know how to get people talking.
While Marvel itself has not officially added Jackman and Reynolds to the cast list on its website, the video has done enough to keep the speculation alive. For now, fans will have to wait until December 18 to find out for sure if Wolverine and Deadpool are truly part of Avengers: Doomsday.
Also Read: Hugh Jackman Says He Will Play Wolverine Until Age 90, Plans Beyond Avengers Secret Wars
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