Ryan Reynolds’ much-anticipated entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Deadpool 3, has recently been moved from September 2024 to November 2024. The change in plans follows Marvel Studios’ decision to cease Blade production as a result of Bassam Tariq, the film’s original director, quitting the project two weeks ago.
Although Deadpool 3 has been in early development for a few years, Reynolds only recently made the official announcement that the Merc with a Mouth would be making his MCU debut. Hugh Jackman’s return to the role of Wolverine, which he last played in the critically acclaimed Logan, was also disclosed in the announcement, along with the official release date for Deadpool 3. Even if it seems strange to postpone the film two weeks after announcing its release date, Marvel Studios is having unprecedented difficulties with Blade.
Tariq’s departure means Marvel Studios must hire a new director and maybe make screenplay changes before Blade can begin filming, which was scheduled to begin in November. Additionally, any delay in Blade could have negative effects because Mahershala Ali, who plays the lead role, has a busy schedule and the entire production needs to accommodate the star. When you combine this with the extensive post-production requirements of any MCU film, it becomes evident that Blade could not meet its November 3, 2023 release date.
In order to make room for Blade, several MCU projects were delayed, including Deadpool 3. On September 6, 2024, Deadpool 3 would be released. In response, Fantastic Four’s initial release date of February 14, 2025 was changed to November 8, 2024, moving Deadpool 3 to that date. The final component of the puzzle is Avengers: Secret Wars, which was postponed from November 7, 2025, to May 1, 2026. Due to Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’s continued May 2, 2025 release schedule, Marvel Studios thus extends the gap between the two next Avengers films.
