Ryan Reynolds Doesn’t Want Deadpool to Be an X-Man or Avenger

Deadpool & Wolverine is the highest-grossing R-rated film in history and yet Marvel has remained mum on where the pair could show up next. Certainly, those two Avengers movies on the horizon seem like the best bets but there’s an issue with that. Deadpool himself doesn’t think the character should join that team or the other one.

“I don’t think he should ever be an Avenger or an X-Man,” Reynolds told the Hollywood Reporter. “If he becomes either, we’re at the end.” Now, that doesn’t mean Reynolds doesn’t want Deadpool to show up in films with those characters. He just thinks Deadpool shouldn’t team up.

“I think Deadpool works so well appearing with the X-Men and Avengers, but he always needs to stay an outsider,” he said. “His ultimate dream is to be accepted and appreciated. But he can’t be accepted. His coping mechanism of deflecting shame through humor works only when used to pave over his many inadequacies. If and when he does become an Avenger or X-Man, we’re at the end of his journey.”

Clearly, Reynolds is excited about the potential to share the screen with X-Men or Avengers. As for when that might happen, he can’t say just yet. “There are no updates to share just yet,” Reynolds said. “But I trust Kevin [Feige] and Lou D’Esposito with my life. The character trait I love most about Deadpool is that he’s a fanboy. His enthusiasm and longing to be part of a team is really endearing to me. It’s his overarching wish-fulfillment story.”

What’s most intriguing about these statements is the window into how Reynolds sees Deadpool. He doesn’t just approach the character as this funny, violent, crass assassin. He’s much more concerned with what’s behind it. The Wade Wilson of it all. And he’s going to have to be because fourth wall-breaking Deadpool side by side with any of the more traditional Marvel characters is going to be very weird indeed.

Read more from Reynolds, including where he and Hugh Jackman may team up next, over at the Hollywood Reporter.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.