Ryan Reynolds Turns Heads With 'Avengers' Post, Sending 'Deadpool' Fans Into a Frenzy

When Marvel released the lengthy list of names and superheroes cast in Avengers: Doomsday, there were many noteworthy stars absent from the roughly six-hour livestream. Among them was Ryan Reynolds’ beloved, foul-mouthed superhero, Deadpool.

While Marvel has made it known that the list released wasn't the full cast for Avengers: Doomsday or the follow-up 2027 film Avengers: Secret Wars, it's left fans speculating about who else could be in the mix. And with plenty of buzz surrounding Reynolds as a potential inclusion, the Deadpool actor threw fuel all over that fire with a post in the early hours on Tuesday, Aug. 12.

Ryan Reynolds' Cryptic 'Avengers' Post Leaves 'Deadpool' Fans Crossing Their Fingers

There's been virtually no updates from Marvel about the cast since the initial release, even with the movie's filming officially underway. So, when Reynolds dropped a cryptic post featuring the Avengers logo on Instagram, the intrigue immediately skyrocketed—and his caption only sparked more buzz.

"WHAT," Reynolds said in the caption, with a side-eye emoji.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ryan Reynolds (@vancityreynolds)

Considering the timing of the post, as actors have seemingly made it clear they've been in-and-out of filming for Avengers: Doomsday, and the obvious photo selection, it's hard to envision that something isn't on the horizon for the Deadpool star.

Fans All Reacted to Reynolds' 'Avengers' Post With the Same Optimistic Comments Actor Ryan Reynolds attends the 'Deadpool' fan event at AMC Empire Theatre.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

It didn't take long for Reynolds' social media post to go viral, as it topped roughly 80,000 likes within the first 25-30 minutes of going up. And not surprisingly, the bulk of the responses from fans were highlighted by visions of Deadpool joining the Avengers in the 2026 film.

"Don’t do that. Don’t give me hope," joked one fan with a crying laughing emoji.

"If you are saying what I think you’re saying, I’m actually gonna scream," said another optimistic fan.

"Avengers x Deadpool confirmed?!" read another reply.

Ryan Reynolds on Instagram 👀👀👀 Deadpool in Doomsday?!?!?! #AvengersDoosmday pic.twitter.com/OpGfghJI8G

— Vincent (@VGotGame) August 12, 2025

"Plz tell me that Deadpool & Wolverine are returning for Avengers: Doomsday! I need to know!" excitedly responded another fan.

"PG-13 Deadpool will definitely be a Curveball," added one viewer, citing the rating of Avengers: Doomsday.

"Is Deadpool joining the Avengers now? This is going to be epic..." replied another fan.

Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool Among Top Names Absent From Initial 'Avengers: Doomsday' Cast List

Although Reynolds' popular character was left off the initial cast list reveal from Marvel, he was far from the only big name missing.

Among the other high-profile actors/superheroes that weren't initially listed on the Avengers: Doomsday cast were Tom Holland (Spider-Man), Mark Ruffalo (Hulk), Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange), Chris Pratt (Peter Quill/Star-Lord),  Brie Larson (Captain Marvel), Don Cheadle (War Machine) and Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), among others.

The list of surprising names not revealed for the highly anticipated movie is arguably just as long as the first cast list. Marvel has yet to give any official update on how many of the above names, and any others that were absent, will be in the newest addition to the Avengers series.

Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to be released in theaters on Dec. 18, 2026.

Related: Denzel Washington’s Blunt 5-Word Answer to ‘Black Panther 3’ Casting Rumors