Ever since Ryan Reynolds confirmed Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine is joining hands with Wade Wilson in Deadpool 3, the internet has been flooded with speculations about the potential return of several other characters previously attached to Fox’s Marvel properties.
Director Shawn Levy has frequently insisted Deadpool entering the Marvel Cinematic Universe doesn’t mean they will overlook their history at Fox. This further intensified rumors concerning the likes of Elektra (Jennifer Garner) and Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) featuring in this summer’s most awaited film.
In recent days, Michael Chiklis’ name has also been a subject of discussion among the MCU fanbase after a supposed set photo surfaced on X. This forced the actor to break his silence.
Michael Chiklis Reacts to ‘Leaked’ Set Photos of Deadpool 3
Michael Chiklis featured in two Fox’s Marvel universe titles, Fantastic Four and its sequel Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer in the mid-2010s. He portrayed Ben Grimm/The Thing, a super-strong rock-like monster with a “Heart of Gold”.
Recently a supposed set photo of him filming on Deadpool 3 hit the internet, much to the excitement of followers of the original Fantastic Four series. However, Chiklis took to X to deny his involvement in any Marvel-related project.
“FYI folks… This is a FAKE,” he said. “Sorry to disappoint. So many people have asked about it, I feel it’s necessary to clear this up. I do know who they’re casting though. Not my place to tell but I will say this. I’m a fan of his work and I wish him luck and success with it.”
Further, in the replies, another X user added more context by showing the said set photo of Chiklis was an edited image of Colossus from Deadpool 2‘s filming.
The Shield star may not be poised for a return to the Marvel universe anytime soon, but through his response, he has confirmed his character is set to be part of future MCU storylines.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach Expected to Portray Michael Chiklis’s Much-Loved Marvel Character
Apart from Deadpool, Marvel Studios are also working on pushing the former Fox title, Fantastic Four, into the MCU. One of Marvel’s most iconic families is scheduled to return to the big screen in 2025 with a Fantastic Four reboot.
According to Jeff Sneider of the Hot Mic podcast (via CBM), Ebon Moss-Bachrach might be set to play The Thing, a former USAF test pilot, in the upcoming film. Moss-Bachrach most recently earned plaudits for his performance in the hit comedy-drama television series, The Bear.
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning’s Vanessa Kirby and Stranger Things’ Joseph Quinn are also said to be part of Kevin Feige’s ambitious project.
Chiklis, meanwhile, is set to make his return to the limelight with MGM+’s television series, Hotel Cocaine. The Emmy winner is playing Agent Zulio in the story of Cuban exile Roman Compte.
