Deadpool & Wolverine: Unveiling the truth behind Patrick Stewart’s absence

A deep dive into the latest Marvel blockbuster

The much-anticipated Deadpool & Wolverine has hit theaters, and fans are buzzing with excitement. However, one question has been on everyone’s mind: Why isn’t Patrick Stewart reprising his iconic role as Charles Xavier? Director Shawn Levy recently addressed this on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, putting to rest any rumors about Stewart’s return.

The untold story behind the casting decisions

Levy was clear and concise when asked about the possibility of Stewart’s return. “Never even discussed,” he stated. Despite the rich history between Stewart’s Professor X and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, the idea of bringing Stewart back was never on the table. This decision was thoroughly examined, especially considering the intriguing dynamic between Professor X and the Cassandra sibling-hood, but ultimately, it was not pursued.

Revisiting the legacy of Professor X and Wolverine

Fans speculated about Stewart’s return due to his extensive history with Jackman in the X-Men franchise, dating back to the original 2000 film. Their final appearance together in the 2017 film Logan was a poignant farewell, featuring the deaths of both characters. Jackman’s return in Deadpool & Wolverine as a different variant of Wolverine was a carefully considered move, ensuring that the events of Logan remained untouched.

Jackman himself emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of Logan‘s timeline. “It’s all because of this device they have in the Marvel world of moving around timelines,” he explained. “Now we can go back because, you know, it’s science. So, I don’t have to screw with the ‘Logan’ timeline, which was important to me. And I think probably to the fans, too.”

The multiverse and its endless possibilities

The concept of the multiverse has opened up a plethora of opportunities for Marvel, allowing characters to return in new and exciting ways. Stewart’s appearance as Professor X in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness fueled speculation about his potential cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine. However, as Levy reiterated, Stewart’s return was never considered.

A wild idea that didn’t make the cut

Levy shared an interesting tidbit about a scene that almost made it into the film. He revealed that there was a plan to include a real-life wolverine animal in the movie. “Number seven was an actual wolverine,” Levy said. “We really wanted an actual wolverine, the animal, and he would maul Deadpool. But we came up with that idea too late to do a convincing digital wolverine, so that one’s in my back pocket should I need one for any sequels.”

Henry Cavill’s surprising cameo

One of the standout moments in the film is the appearance of Henry Cavill as a variant of Wolverine. Known for his role as Superman, Cavill’s cameo was both unexpected and delightful. However, the experience wasn’t without its challenges. Levy recounted how Cavill had to smoke Wolverine’s cigar all day on set, which made him sick. “He kept that cigar lit and in his mouth for the entirety of the shoot day,” Levy said. “I remember hearing the next day that Henry was sick to his stomach because he had been inhaling cigar smoke for eight hours straight, but never once did he waver.”

Levy further elaborated on Cavill’s cameo, affectionately referring to him as “the Cavillerine,” a term coined by Ryan Reynolds. “If we’re going to talk about him, we must call him by his actual credited name, the Cavillerine, which Ryan coined. I knew it was undeniable as soon as Ryan came up with that term. He said ‘yes’ right away because he knew it would be subversive and playful. It was also with a lot of affection for him and his body of work, and playing with his legacy as a DC hero now that he’s appearing as a variant of a Marvel hero.”

Experience the magic on the big screen

Deadpool & Wolverine is now playing in theaters nationwide. For those eager to dive deeper into the film, check out the Deadpool & Wolverine trailer for a sneak peek into this thrilling adventure.

Final thoughts

The absence of Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier in Deadpool & Wolverine may have disappointed some fans, but the film’s creative choices and unexpected cameos have added a fresh and exciting dimension to the Marvel universe. As the multiverse continues to expand, the possibilities are endless, and fans can look forward to more surprises and adventures in the future.