Summary
If speculation over Blade’sMarvelmovie return inDeadpool & Wolverineproved true, it would continue a Ryan Reynolds comic book movie trend that began in 2016. Ryan Reynolds has now portrayed two versions of Wade Wilson in his comic book movie career, starting with the universally panned portrayal in 2009’sX-Men Origins: Wolverine. Thankfully, 2016’sDeadpoolrectified this error by delivering the quintessential live-action take on the R-rated Marvel Comics character, which will soon culminate in therelease ofDeadpool & Wolverine.
As enthusiasm for the movie’s release reaches a fever pitch, Deadpool fans have been poring over trailer footage to discern as manyDeadpool & Wolverinedetails as possible ahead of theupcoming MCU moviedebut. As rumors surrounding certainDeadpool & Wolverinecameosare vindicated by trailers and images, there is one character that fans are struggling to pin down: namely, Blade. While one character in a promotional image has been theorized to be Sticky Fingaz' rendition of the character in CW’sBlade: The Series, it remains unclear if Blade will feature at all. If he does, though, Reynolds' recurring Deadpool gag can continue.
Why Marvel Fans Think Blade Is In Deadpool & Wolverine (& Why I’m Not Convinced)
Marvel’s vampire hunter may appear in Deadpool & Wolverine, though the recent theory regarding his appearance raises some important questions.
Ryan Reynolds Insulted His Comic Book Movie Mistakes
Ryan Reynolds seized the opportunity across the last two Deadpool movies to dunk on his previous comic book movie mistakes(and those of other actors) with relish. The fact that he has done so by leaning into comic-accurate fourth-wall breaks that eluded his first Deadpool appearance makes such self-depreciation all the more satisfying. This culminated inDeadpool 2with Deadpool using Cable’s time-travel device to travel back and kill Reynolds before accepting hisGreen Lanternrole and the version of “Deadpool” that appeared inX-Men Origins: Wolverine. In doing so, Reynolds addressed and adjusted the more divisive areas of his comic book movie past.
However, this wasn’t the first time inDeadpool’s movie timelinethat Reynolds' prior roles had been lambasted.Deadpoolincluded similar moments, with the antihero advising Ajax to refrain from sewing his mouth shut and imploring his super suit be neither green nor animated. While Reynolds' references to his previous roles have gone down a storm thus far, doing so for a third time inDeadpool & Wolverineis at risk of making the joke feel stale. Instead, Blade may provide a chance for Reynolds to capitalize on another bit.
Blade Appearing Would Continue Reynolds' Deadpool 2 Joke
Green LanternandX-Men Origins: Wolverinearen’t the only lambasted comic book movies starring Reynolds.Blade: Trinitywas the maligned third installment of the otherwise well-received Blade trilogy starring Wesley Snipes. Reynolds debuted as Hannibal King in the movie, which experienced a reportedly difficult production owing to Snipes' alleged behavior on-set. It was also met with harsh criticism as it fumbled the magic of the first two movies.
The distribution rights for Blade were initially owned by New Line Cinema before they were reacquired by Marvel in 2012.
If Blade appears inDeadpool & Wolverine, whether as Snipes or in another guise,the door will be wide open for Reynolds to continue his self-deprecating trend using Blade as the set-up. A concern about referencingBlade: Trinitymay surround the fact that it was released in 2004, 7 years beforeGreen Lantern, and therefore doesn’t hold as much relevance. Blade’s physical presence inDeadpool & Wolverinewould change that by making things less referential and more literal in terms of nodding to the past release, all while keeping Reynolds' recurring gag going.
Deadpool & Wolverine
Cast
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.
