Ryan Reynolds Faces Backlash at Comic-Con After Joking About an Avengers: Doomsday Cameo

Ryan Reynolds unexpectedly became the center of online debate after making a surprise appearance at San Diego Comic-Con. Although the moment was staged as a lighthearted comedy bit, it failed to receive the enthusiastic response many expected. Instead of fueling excitement over the possibility of Deadpool returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the actor found himself facing a wave of criticism across social media.

During Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday presentation in Hall H, Reynolds walked onstage despite not being listed among the event’s official guests. The Deadpool star quickly became the center of attention as he joined Robert Downey Jr., Paul Rudd, and several cast members who have already been confirmed for the highly anticipated blockbuster.

Playing into the fact that Marvel has never officially confirmed his involvement in Avengers: Doomsday, Reynolds jokingly asked the cast when production had begun, humorously implying that he was hoping to secure a last-minute role in the film.

Robert Downey Jr. responded bluntly, “It’s in the can, bro.” The remark immediately drew laughter from the packed audience, as it confirmed that principal photography had already wrapped.

Downey wasn’t finished. Looking around the crowded Hall H auditorium, he turned to Reynolds and quipped, “Look around you. Did you bump your head?”

Staying in character, Reynolds pretended to be disappointed and replied, “I see. So there’s no additional photography, no overages, maybe last-minute additions…?” The playful exchange appeared to tease the possibility of a surprise Deadpool cameo, although Marvel offered no official confirmation that the character would appear in the film.

Outside the convention center, however, the reaction was far less enthusiastic. Many social media users argued that Reynolds has become overly visible and is constantly inserting himself into every major Marvel project to remain in the spotlight.

One commenter wrote, “Ryan Reynolds begging for a ‘Doomsday’ cameo is pure desperation. Deadpool’s already overexposed and Marvel doesn’t need him wrecking another film.”

Another questioned whether the appearance was simply another publicity stunt, writing, “Wait, is this actually real or just another Ryan PR stunt, dude never misses a chance to insert himself into everything; kinda getting old at this point tbh.”

Some online comments shifted the focus away from Marvel altogether and instead targeted Reynolds’ personal life, particularly his wife, Blake Lively. One critic wrote, “Nothing he does will save his career or his wife. They are DONE.”

Another referenced Lively’s ongoing legal controversy, commenting, “Probably needed a break from his lawsuit-happy wife.”

One particularly harsh post even claimed Reynolds wore a mask because he feared being booed, stating, “Makes sense he’s making a public appearance in a mask since he’d be booed showing his face after the train wreck case.”

These comments largely reflected opinions circulating on social media and should not be taken as representative of the broader Comic-Con audience. Inside Hall H, Reynolds’ exchange with Robert Downey Jr. received plenty of laughs and applause from attendees.

Despite the criticism, Reynolds has made it clear that Deadpool’s future is far from over. During an appearance on Today’s Sunday Sitdown Live in April, the actor revealed that he had already begun developing ideas for another project centered on Wade Wilson.

Speaking later at Fanatics Fest NYC, Reynolds offered another update, revealing that he has been drawing inspiration from lesser-known Deadpool comic storylines. He explained, “There’s certainly some stuff that I love that Fabian Nicieza wrote that is incredible. Gerry Duggan is a friend and an incredible comic book writer. There’s stuff coming, there eventually will be another ‘Deadpool’ film.”

At this stage, Marvel has yet to confirm whether Reynolds will appear in Avengers: Doomsday. His unexpected Comic-Con appearance has only fueled further speculation that Deadpool could still make a secret appearance in the film.

Reynolds most recently portrayed Wade Wilson in Deadpool & Wolverine, released in 2024. The film grossed more than $1.3 billion worldwide, becoming one of the highest-grossing R-rated movies in history and further cementing Deadpool’s popularity within the Marvel universe.

Born in Canada in 1976, Ryan Reynolds began his career on television before becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest stars through films such as Van Wilder, The Proposal, Free Guy, The Hitman’s Bodyguard, and, most notably, the Deadpool franchise. He has earned widespread praise for combining action, comedy, and his signature sarcastic wit.

Beyond acting, Reynolds has built a successful business career through investments in Aviation Gin, Mint Mobile, and Wrexham AFC alongside Rob McElhenney. Those ventures have helped establish him as one of Hollywood’s most successful celebrity entrepreneurs.

Reynolds’ personal life has also attracted considerable public attention. After divorcing Scarlett Johansson in 2011, he married Blake Lively in 2012. The couple share four children and have long been regarded as one of Hollywood’s most influential celebrity families, thanks in part to their humorous and relatable presence on social media.

In recent months, however, both Reynolds and Lively have found themselves under increased public scrutiny due to the ongoing legal dispute involving Lively and director Justin Baldoni. Although Reynolds is not the primary defendant in the case, his name has frequently surfaced in online discussions, making every public appearance attract even greater attention.

With Avengers: Doomsday still shrouded in secrecy, Reynolds’ Comic-Con appearance has sparked widespread speculation among Marvel fans. While reactions have been divided, the incident also demonstrates that Deadpool remains one of Marvel’s most talked-about characters, ensuring that nearly every move Ryan Reynolds makes continues to generate headlines.