Deadpool 3 actor Ryan Reynolds, who stars as the titular Merc with a Mouth in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe installment, recently addressed the leaked set photos that were released online over the past week.
In a statement posted to the actor’s Instagram story (and later shared on Twitter), Reynolds wrote, “Surprises are part of the magic of theatrical movies. It’s important for us to shoot the new DEADPOOL film in real, natural environments, using practical effects as opposed to making the movie indoors and digitally. Telephoto lenses continue to spoil surprises and create a difficult situation for everyone.”
He continued, “Here’s hoping some of the websites and social channels hold back showing images before they’re ready. The film is built for audience joy — and our highest hope is to preserve as much of that magic as possible for the finished film and the big screen. Part of the reason people post spoilers is because they’re excited. I realize these aren’t real world issues and it’s firmly in the ‘good problems’ bucket.”
Reynolds ended the statement by reaffirming to fans that, despite the leaks, “I love making this movie.”
Marvel has a history of set photo leaks
Deadpool 3 is not the first MCU movie to have some surprises spoiled ahead of release. Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Charlie Cox’s inclusion in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), the third entry in Marvel Studios and Sony’s Spider-Man trilogy, was spoiled weeks ahead of its December 2021 release. There have also been some set photo leaks from the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World, although nothing as spoiler-filled as the ones previously mentioned.
Deadpool 3 will mark Reynolds’ fourth time portraying Wade Wilson/Deadpool on film, following his appearances as the character in X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), Deadpool (2016), and Deadpool 2 (2018). Joining him in the MCU sequel is Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, who last appeared as the fan-favorite Marvel superhero in the 2017 film Logan.
Other cast members include Morena Baccarin, Brianna Hildebrand, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni, Stefan Kapičić, Shioli Kutsuna, Emma Corrin, Matthew Macfadyen, and Rob Delaney.
Directed by Shawn Levy, Deadpool 3 is set to hit theaters on July 26, 2024.
