While there are still many anticipated hits yet to hit the screens, it’s already clear that “Deadpool & Wolverine” is the standout film of 2024. Having achieved the status of the highest-grossing R-rated picture, there seems to be no limit to what this movie can achieve.

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman have crafted a perfect product—an apology to Marvel fans for recent years of commercial focus and a revival of the “X-Men” lore. Although viewers were initially uncertain about Wolverine’s return after his satisfying conclusion in “Logan,” they have undoubtedly enjoyed seeing him back on the big screen.

The cameos have also been a highlight, featuring not only little Easter eggs but also significant characters from other franchises that had been gathering dust. As the picture approaches its third week in theaters, Ryan Reynolds is beginning to reveal some secrets, including which names didn’t make the final cut (but which we wish had).

Ryan Reynolds reveals a major name that didn’t make it into ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’

One of the best aspects of Deadpool, prominently featured in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” is Wade Wilson’s role as an outsider within the expansive Marvel universe, particularly in relation to the beloved “Avengers” franchise.

Ryan Reynolds in “Deadpool and Wolverine”. (Source: IMDb)

Wade dreams of joining their ranks and becoming someone significant, but he’s consistently excluded. As a result, he carves out his own path, bringing back many overlooked characters from outside the MCU whose stories we never saw continue.

In an interview with Collider, Ryan Reynolds discussed forgotten superheroes and villains, speaking about the ones that made the cut and the ones who didn’t. When asked about Nicolas Cage’s Ghost Rider, Reynolds’s response was short.

“Yes, it definitely came up in conversation. But no,” he said. Despite his love for speaking hours and hours aboutthe “Deadpool” franchise and its details, Reynolds didn’t provide further information. So, the reason for Ghost Rider’s exclusion remains unclear.

It’s possible there was no deeper reason beyond prioritizing other characters. Alternatively, Cage’s busy schedule, with six projects currently lined up and more likely to come, might have been a factor if he was approached and declined.