Deadpool and Wolverine may achieve what Doctor Strange 2 could never do

The highly anticipated Deadpool and Wolverine trailer dropped hours ago and sent shockwaves worldwide. From its bright yellow-suited Wolverine to numerous Marvel and X-Men references scattered all across the selective footage from the film, there is hardly any doubt that this is perhaps the most exciting Marvel project in years.

Alongside being a threequel to the highly successful Deadpool franchise, this film also aims to integrate the loud-mouth mercenary into the beloved MCU, which may significantly boost the tumbling superhero franchise. It also marks the return of Hugh Jackman in his most cherished role as Logan, aka Wolverine.

Interestingly, Deadpool could have been a part of the MCU earlier. As per reports, it was initially Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which would have introduced Deadpool to the MCU, albeit in a cameo. Sadly, that never happened, but there is something of an even more intriguing twist in the tale.

As indicated in the trailer, Deadpool may not have gotten a cameo in the second Dr. Strange film, but Dr. Strange may be getting a cameo in Deadpool and Wolverine. Even if Dr. Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is not the one appearing in the movie, at least Wong (Benedict Wong) will appear.

The trailer's final scene strongly hints at this when an Inter-Dimensional Portal, which the sorcerers use, opens up in front of Deadpool and Wolverine.

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Why was the Deadpool cameo removed from Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness?

Sam Raimi's awaited sequel to the brilliant Dr. Strange seemed to be a defining Marvel film, and despite all its ambition, it failed to be a big success. Fans also expected many more cameos and special appearances, which did not happen.

But what could have been the most exciting addition never happened. Way before Deadpool and Wolverine, there were plans of integrating Ryan Reynolds' character in the MCU in Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which ultimately did not happen because the creative team felt it was out of place.

As discussed by screenwriter Michael Waldron in a 2022 interview with ComicBook.com, it did not "feel like the right place" to introduce Deadpool. Waldron said:

"Yeah, we talked about it...I think we talked about everything in this movie. So, [it] would’ve been crazy to not raise that, but it ultimately didn’t feel like…It just didn’t feel like the right place. But yeah, of course we talked about it."

It is almost funny that the reverse of what was supposed to happen may be happening now.

So far, there is no official confirmation about whether Dr. Strange is a part of Deadpool and Wolverine. Still, given the easter egg in the trailer and the subject dealing with multiple variants of famous characters, there is a high chance that is happening.

In the story hinted in the third Deadpool film, it will also be easy to integrate many characters from both the MCU and the X-Men franchise.

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More about Deadpool and Wolverine

Deadpool and Wolverine is directed by Shawn Levy and written by Levy, Ryan Reynolds, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, and Zeb Wells. The film is set to be the 34th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film will also integrate the previous X-Men franchise with the ongoing MCU.

The cast also includes Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni, and Matthew Macfadyen.

The official synopsis for the film reads:

"Wolverine is recovering from his injuries when he crosses paths with the loudmouth, Deadpool. They team up to defeat a common enemy."

Deadpool and Wolverine will premiere theatrically on July 26, 2024.