A new photo sparked speculation that original Fantastic Four actor Michael Chiklis could reprise his role as The Thing in next year’s Ryan Reynolds vehicle Deadpool 3. However, Chiklis took to social media himself declaring it fake and that he is not working on Deadpool 3.
Did Michael Chiklis Actually Film a Deadpool 3 Cameo?
No. Upon seeing rumors swirl after a purported set photo leaked online, Michael Chiklis definitively stated the image was fabricated.
FYI folks… This is a FAKE. 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. pic.twitter.com/y9nYI8MFM7
— Michael Chiklis (@MichaelChiklis) February 8, 2024
While the actor won’t be making his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in Deadpool 3, he did tease inside knowledge about Marvel’s upcoming Fantastic Four reboot. While Michael Chiklis shot down his return as Ben Grimm/The Thing in Deadpool 3, he hinted at exclusive insights into 2025’s planned Fantastic Four reboot.
Does This Tease Major Fantastic Four Casting News?
If Chiklis genuinely knows the actor playing The Thing in Marvel’s new Fantastic Four film, that suggests the entire core quartet may already be secretly cast. A recent report claimed Sue Storm’s casting would anchor the other three roles, implying if one has been cast, all four have. Perhaps the “casting search” publicly underway is a smokescreen?
Either to replace a previous actor who dropped out of negotiations or to simply generate buzz and throw fans off the scent. Fans can’t rule out Michael Chiklis himself could return as The Thing, utilizing a decoy social media post to throw viewers off. With Marvel projects, any possibility is in play!
Will Any Original Fantastic Four Stars Cameo in Deadpool 3?
While Chiklis refuted rumors of his own Deadpool 3 involvement, the threequel represents Ryan Reynolds’ first MCU appearance. Given Deadpool 3’s reality-bending plot involving the multiverse, cameo appearances from 2005’s Fantastic Four or its 2007 sequel can’t completely be ruled out yet. We’ll have to wait for the film’s trailer to know for sure.
Marvel has the Fantastic Four reboot slotted for a February 14, 2025 release under director Matt Shakman. So we likely won’t learn any casting news until closer to Deadpool 3’s summer 2024 debut or even early 2025. But Chiklis clearly knows something fans don’t yet…even if it won’t involve his own return as the iconic rocky hero.
While Michael Chiklis won’t be reprising his fan-favorite role as The Thing for Deadpool 3 due to multiverse antics, his comments around the new Fantastic Four casting hint at intriguing updates to come. And Reynolds’ first adventure under the Marvel Studios banner promises to shake up the MCU when it hits theaters next year on July 25.
