Original X-Men movie franchise star Aaron Stanford has finally broke his silence on the surprise return of Pyro in Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine trailer.
On Instagram, Stanford posted a behind-the-scenes selfie from the production of the upcoming Deadpool installment set in the MCU, confirming his reprisal of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants member. “Welly welly welly well. If it isn’t our old Droogie Pyro…,” Stanford said.
Stanford originated the role of John Allerdyce/Pyro in 2003’s X2: X-Men United after impressing director Bryan Singer with his work in the indie project Tadpole. Originally a student of the Xavier School, Pyro’s fire control powers along with his antagonism towards Iceman (Shawn Ashmore) and Rogue (Anna Paquin) turn him against the X-Men and sides with Magneto (Ian McKellen). Stanford returned in 2006’s X-Men: The Last Stand where he fully embraces his dark side and has his inevitable showdown with Iceman in the movie’s climax.
What other Marvel characters from the Fox era appear in Deadpool & Wolverine?
Pyro is one of several characters from the Fox era of Marvel movies joining stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in Deadpool & Wolverine. Set photos have confirmed the return of Sabertooth and Toad from 2000’s X-Men for a big showdown against the Merc with the Mouth. Additionally, actors reported to cameo in the threequel include Dafne Keen as X-23 from 2017’s Logan and Jennifer Garner as Elektra from 2003’s Daredevil.
Directed by Shawn Levy, Deadpool & Wolverine sees the return of franchise regulars Leslie Uggams as Blind Al, Morena Baccarin as Vanessa, Rob Delaney as Peter, Stefan Kapicic as Colossus, Karan Soni as Dopinder, Brianna Hildebrand as Negasonic Teenage Warhead, and Shioli Kutsuna as Yukio. In addition, the movie features newcomers Emma Corrin and Matthew Macfadyen.
Deadpool & Wolverine is scheduled to hit theaters on July 26.
