Ryan Reynolds Crashes Comic-Con to Beg for 'Avengers: Doomsday' Role

Ryan Reynolds surprised the crowd at Marvel Studios' San Diego Comic-Con panel on Saturday, appearing in a new Deadpool costume to jokingly angle for a role in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday. The actor, in full character, engaged in a comedic back-and-forth with stars Paul Rudd and Robert Downey Jr. during the high-profile event in Hall H.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Reynolds appeared among the audience wearing a gray Deadpool suit not yet seen on screen but featured in X-Force comics. He joked that his name was Ricky and that he was "cosplaying hard" before launching into his bit.

What Happened at the Panel?

Reynolds' Deadpool first directed a question at Paul Rudd, referencing a scene from 2024's Deadpool & Wolverine. "Where is Thor, and why was he crying?" he asked. Rudd quipped back, "He’s a Wrexham fan?"—a dig at the soccer club Reynolds co-owns. Reynolds fired back, "You know goddamn well why he was crying."

The star then turned his attention to the film's production, asking, "This seems like an awfully expensive way to announce a film. When do you start filming?" Robert Downey Jr., who stars as Doctor Doom, replied, "It’s in the can, bro. Look around you. Did you bump your head?"

A deflated Deadpool then asked about potential reshoots, saying, "I see. So there’s no additional photography, no overages, hot costs — maybe last minute additions?" He then abruptly ended the exchange: "No further questions. Happy Hogan, fetch the Audi. We’re leaving," before dropping the microphone and exiting.

What Is 'Avengers: Doomsday'?

Avengers: Doomsday is a Marvel Studios film directed by Joe Russo and scheduled for a theatrical release on December 18, 2026. The official logline states that "beloved heroes from three distinct universes are set on a deadly collision course and face an existential threat unlike anything they've ever encountered."

The confirmed cast includes a massive ensemble:

• Robert Downey Jr. as Victor von Doom / Doctor Doom
• Chris Evans as Steve Rogers / Captain America
• Chris Hemsworth as Thor
• Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic
• Paul Rudd as Scott Lang / Ant-Man
• Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson / Captain America
• Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova
• Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / The Invisible Woman
• Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm / Thing
• Wyatt Russell as John Walker / U.S. Agent

The film is categorized as a Science Fiction, Action, and Adventure project with a runtime of 165 minutes.

Is Deadpool Actually in the Movie?

Despite Reynolds' very public pitch, he has not been officially confirmed for a role in Avengers: Doomsday. The Hollywood Reporter notes that media rumors have persisted about a possible appearance for the character.

In recent comments, Reynolds has suggested Deadpool's future may be as a "supporting character" within larger ensembles rather than the center of another solo film. "He works so well appearing with the X-Men and Avengers, but he always needs to stay an outsider," he told The Hollywood Reporter earlier this year.

What's Next for the Film?

With principal photography reportedly complete, Avengers: Doomsday is on track for its December 18, 2026, theatrical release. The film is positioned as a major chapter in the Multiverse Saga, laying "the foundation for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe," according to its synopsis. Its sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars, is scheduled for release a year later on December 17, 2027.

Reynolds' Comic-Con stunt follows his confirmation at Fanatics Fest earlier in July that "there’s eventually remotely another Deadpool film" in the works, though details remain scarce.

The New Gray Deadpool Suit

The gray Deadpool costume Reynolds wore at the panel has not yet appeared on the big screen, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The suit can be seen in X-Force comics, marking a potential new look for the character. Its appearance fueled speculation about the visual direction for Deadpool's next cinematic outing.