The Marvel Cinematic Universe is going through a phase of its own. At a time when a majority of its Phase 4 and 5 outings have debuted to underwhelming box office performances, things are shaking up on the creative board of the franchise. Thanks to a stellar performance and storyline in Loki, the multiverse saga stands wide open to potential new entries and even soft reboots. Leading the charge of good movies to land is Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s anticipated Deadpool 3. Amid news of its production resuming again, things are also picking up pace within its core team.

The director of the movie has set up a cast and story to match the biggest of Marvel spectacles to ever land. However, a recent meeting raises a question.

Did Shawn Levy and Hugh Jackman ditch Ryan Reynolds?

Fans across the globe heaved a sigh of relief when the SAG-AFTRA strikes finally receded allowing actors to get back on set. Talking swift business was Ryan Reynolds, who started promoting the movie without losing a beat with a ‘Dogpool’ announcement. However, days later director, Shawn Levy, and Wolverine actor, Hugh Jackman, met each other without Ryan Reynolds. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Hugh Jackman teased being “In a very important production meeting”.

The meet-up at the DUKES bar in London looked to be informal, although there is no such concrete indication. The photo of the two enjoying shots of Potocki Vodka was retweeted by Levy, who also added a signature dig at Reynolds by claiming to have toasted the actor. Notably, the duo’s meeting weeks after Jackman spent his time alongside his Deadpool 3 co-star and with Blake Lively and Taylor Swift.

On the other side of the slate, the upcoming flick has had its fair share of spotlight thanks to recent pressing developments.

Deadpool 3 pushes back its release date yet again

The return of actors on the sets of Deadpool 3 came with a disappointing development: the release date change from May 3, 2024, to 26 July 2024. The move was to accommodate the ever-burgeoning star cast that already includes a potential comeback of the original X-Men. Additionally, there are also talks of the TVA from Loki marking an appearance while setting up Avengers: Secret Wars.

Recent developments within the multiverse storyline also need to be addressed. The movie is to allow for the full-fledged entry of the mutants into the MCU, which was only teased in the mid-credits scene of The Marvels. Finally, Marvel Studios looking at possible options to replace Kang with Dr. Doom may also see a branched story shape up within this very flick. Regardless, Levy is quite hopeful of a grand spectacular extravaganza for the fans.

What are your thoughts on Shawn Levy meeting Hugh Jackman without Ryan Reynolds? Let us know in the comments below.