Exclusive: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, and Deadpool 3 Director Strike a Pose as Production Hits 10-Week Milestone

Summary

Deadpool 3's production has been affected by the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, causing delays and a halt in filming.

Reynolds faced restrictions on making script changes or improvising on set, hindering the creative process during the filming process, despite early efforts. Despite being halfway through shooting, the aim remains to retain an R-rating and generate excitement for Deadpool's transition into the MCU.

Deadpool 3 director Shawn Levy has recently shared a picture on his Instagram story, featuring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. The three are seen waiting eagerly to resume filming, as it has been five years since the character was last on the big screen. Levy, known for his work on Free Guy and Reel Steel, will be bringing together Reynolds and Jackman in the highly-anticipated sequel. This film will also mark the debut of Deadpool and Jackman's Wolverine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, after previously being part of Fox's concluded X-Men universe. Although production on Deadpool 3 started in early 2023 after a lengthy four-year development, there have been some delays in recent months. This is due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, which has now entered its tenth week.

In the photograph displayed above, we can see the director of Deadpool 3 along with his two main actors gathered in what seems to be the cozy ambiance of Levy's residence, delighting in a shared meal. The caption within the image itself portrays the trio as "three amigos waiting to shoot again...," evidently expressing their eagerness to resume filming the third installment of this superhero saga.

How Deadpool 3 Has Been Affected By The WGA And SAG-AFTRA Strikes

The Writer's Guild of America initiated their first strike in May 2023, followed by SAG-AFTRA in July. Both unions demanded fairer pay, improved job security due to studio interest in artificial intelligence, and a more equitable system for determining residuals based on streaming numbers. These strikes resulted in several high-profile productions being either delayed or completely halted, including the second season of the already abbreviated A League of Their Own and the upcoming Blade reboot in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Despite the challenges posed by the SAG-AFTRA strike, Deadpool 3 forged ahead with its filming, albeit with some obstacles. Ryan Reynolds, the lead actor, was legally prohibited from making any script changes or improvisations on set, a fact that audiences and critics have commended. Marvel Studios reportedly embraced this approach, intending to rewrite and reshoot any necessary scenes during the scheduled additional photography phase of production.

The movie encountered roadblocks when SAG-AFTRA went on strike, leading to a halt in production for Deadpool 3. Levy recently disclosed that filming was halfway completed before the shutdown and emphasized the intention to maintain an R-rating, fueling audience excitement for the character's return to the MCU. Recent reports suggest that the WGA is making progress in discussions with the AMPTP, but the status of SAG-AFTRA's negotiations is unknown, leaving the resumption of filming uncertain.