‘Deadpool 3’ offers an unsurprising production update amidst the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike

What began as an exciting week for Deadpool 3 fans has turned into an unfortunate development now that the Marvel movie has formally hit the pause button on production in response to the SAG-AFTRA strike.  

SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher made the announcement on Thursday alongside executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. Beginning Friday, July 14, SAG-AFTRA joined the Writers Guild of America (WGA) on the picket lines as both party members demand wage equity and improved working conditions amid the ever-changing nature of Hollywood’s business model; specifically, the rise of streaming platforms and artificial intelligence.

Deadpool 3 began filming back in May, managing to turn in the final draft of its script before the WGA strike went into effect. However, due to his association with the WGA, Reynolds was forbidden from improvising lines on set, causing concern among many over how that would affect his character’s snarky charm. Now, he, Hugh Jackman, and other members of SAG-AFTRA are barred by contract to continue labor work. Variety was the first to break the news. 

The unfortunate development comes fresh off the heels of the rather exciting development from earlier this week in which Reynolds and Jackman were spotted on set in their respective costumes. The comic-book accurate portrayal of Jackman’s costume in particular set off celebratory bells among the fandom, as it marks the first time in 24 years a live-action Wolverine costume matched his comic book character. 

Additionally, late last week, news broke that Jennifer Garner will make an Elektra cameo in the film, the first from the actress since she played the sai-wielding superhero in the 2005 movie Elektra. 

Indeed, the news of the film’s production halt is sad for those eager to finally see the Merc with a Mouth make his grand MCU debut. After two films with 20th Century Fox, Deadpool 3 will be the first Deadpool movie to operate under Disney’s jurisdiction after the company acquired 20th Century Fox in 2019.

At the time of this writing, neither Ryan Reynolds nor Hugh Jackman have commented on the state of Deadpool 3. We could be looking at another release date change depending on how long the SAG-AFTRA strike goes on. If so, that would mark the third time the movie’s theatrical debut has been modified. 

Deadpool 3 is scheduled to premiere in theaters on May 3, 2024. Should that change, you will hear it from us first.