When Deadpool & Wolverine, directed by Shawn Levy, burst onto the big screen, it was as much a tribute to the 20th Century Fox era of comic book movies as it was an addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This latest installment brought back a handful of beloved characters from earlier comic book adaptations, giving fans a nostalgic thrill. The film didn’t just resurrect Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds), and the gruff mutant Wolverine, but also revived characters like Elektra (Jennifer Garner) and Blade (Wesley Snipes), among others. However, the real surprise came with the return of Chris Evans as Johnny Storm, the hotheaded, flame-powered superhero of the Fantastic Four.
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Evans’ cameo in the film, particularly in the end credits scene, became a major talking point. Known for his portrayal of Captain America in the MCU, Evans’ appearance as Johnny Storm created a fascinating dual role within the Marvel universe. This time, he added a touch of irreverent humor to his character, showcasing Johnny Storm in a new, foul-mouthed light that delighted audiences. The sequence was hailed as a bold yet playful departure from the clean-cut Steve Rogers, who many Marvel fans associate with Evans. And with Deadpool’s unique brand of meta-humor and improvisation, Evans took on this character with a fresh energy, embracing the wild, unfiltered fun of Deadpool’s world.
The Evolution of Johnny Storm’s Return
Deadpool & Wolverine took a unique approach by including characters that played significant roles in Marvel’s early film history under 20th Century Fox. Although The Fantastic Four franchise, launched in the early 2000s, had been rebooted, fans were thrilled to see Evans return as the fiery, mischievous Johnny Storm one last time before Marvel’s inevitable reboot of the Fantastic Four. For many, this was a nostalgic return to a pre-MCU era, with familiar faces like Storm bringing back memories of simpler, less interconnected superhero stories.
In an interview, film editors Dean Zimmerman and Shane Reid revealed that the concept of Evans’ return scene came together organically. During filming on a New York City street set, Ryan Reynolds approached Chris Evans with a spontaneous idea: Evans would reprise his role as Johnny Storm in a humorous, self-referential end-credits scene. As Zimmerman explained, Reynolds proposed the idea right on the spot, and Evans was immediately “game for whatever” they needed him to do. This spontaneity is a hallmark of Deadpool’s filming style, with the cast and crew often adding jokes and riffing in real time.
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Zimmerman recounted that Evans had the lines in hand that very day, instantly understanding the humor Reynolds envisioned. It only took a few takes with three cameras to capture Evans’ hilarious confessional, where Johnny Storm admits he had, in fact, been badmouthing Cassandra Nova (played by Emma Corrin). Throughout the film, it seemed as though Deadpool was simply fabricating lies to incriminate Storm. Yet, this twist added a humorous layer, giving Johnny Storm a mischievous, self-aware side that suited the Deadpool universe perfectly.
How Reynolds and Evans Crafted the Scene’s Humor
A major aspect of Deadpool’s allure is Reynolds’ ability to break the fourth wall, seamlessly blending the narrative with self-aware commentary that pokes fun at the entire superhero genre. According to Zimmerman, Reynolds’ improvisational skills are unparalleled, leading to scenes that evolve dynamically on set. Many iconic moments in Deadpool films emerge from last-minute adjustments, with Reynolds taking creative liberties right up until release. For the end-credits scene with Evans, Reynolds used his charm and rapport with the actor to bring out the most entertaining, authentic side of Johnny Storm.
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Zimmerman emphasized that Reynolds’ relationship with his co-stars instills an immense level of trust, allowing them to experiment and push boundaries. With Evans, this relationship enabled a playful, unfiltered portrayal of Johnny Storm that wouldn’t have been possible without mutual respect and camaraderie. Reynolds trusted Evans to bring Johnny Storm back with an unexpected edge, and Evans was all in for the challenge. “It was one of those things where everyone on set just knew—of course, this is what we’re going to do,” Zimmerman shared. “And it was brilliant. It turned out so great.”
This confidence in Reynolds’ vision isn’t exclusive to the end-credits scenes. Every Deadpool movie, from the iconic opening sequences to the over-the-top action, relies on a balance of pre-planned shots and in-the-moment additions. While some scenes require meticulous choreography, as with the “Bye Bye Bye” sequence in the latest film, others are pure improvisation. By crafting these scenes around real-time responses, Deadpool has developed a reputation for delivering unexpected laughs and memorable moments that feel genuine.
Fans and Critics React to Evans’ Hilarious Cameo
As expected, Chris Evans’ cameo left fans both thrilled and amused. On social media, viewers raved about seeing Evans return as Johnny Storm, a character he embodied long before his MCU days as Captain America. The sequence became an instant favorite, with fans praising the foul-mouthed twist as a bold contrast to the moral rigidity of Steve Rogers. This humor and spontaneity, combined with Deadpool’s no-holds-barred tone, made the end-credits scene a standout moment in the film.
Many fans took to Twitter to express their reactions, with one user writing, “I can’t believe they brought Johnny Storm back just for him to admit to everything Deadpool accused him of—absolute gold!” Another fan added, “Seeing Chris Evans swear as Johnny Storm again just hits differently. Bravo, #Deadpool3!” Evans’ commitment to the role, even as a brief cameo, resonated with audiences who loved the nostalgia of revisiting Johnny Storm’s rebellious, fun-loving personality.
The editors also shared that Evans’ willingness to step out of his usual character mold and embrace the edgy humor of Deadpool exemplifies the spirit of these films. For many fans, this crossover between the 20th Century Fox era and the MCU is a refreshing reminder of Marvel’s cinematic evolution and a hopeful preview of what’s to come in future Fantastic Four projects. Although Marvel has already confirmed plans to reboot the Fantastic Four, fans are eager to see how the MCU will continue to honor its legacy while introducing fresh perspectives on iconic characters.
Celebrating the Legacy of 20th Century Fox’s Marvel Heroes
The success of Deadpool & Wolverine lies not only in its action-packed sequences and biting humor but also in its ability to bring classic characters back to life. With returning heroes like Elektra, Blade, and Johnny Storm, the film pays homage to the movies that set the stage for today’s superhero blockbusters. For a generation of fans, these characters represent the beginnings of Marvel’s cinematic journey, a time when comic book adaptations were experimental, bold, and unapologetically fun.
Reynolds has consistently praised the legacy of 20th Century Fox’s contributions to the superhero genre, and his decision to incorporate these characters speaks volumes about his respect for their impact. By weaving Johnny Storm back into the Marvel story—even if just for a hilarious end-credits scene—Reynolds has ensured that the 20th Century Fox era won’t be forgotten.
A Moment to Remember
As audiences add Deadpool & Wolverine to their collections, Chris Evans’ unexpected return as Johnny Storm serves as a reminder of the beloved characters who laid the groundwork for Marvel’s modern universe. His cameo may have been brief, but its impact will resonate with fans for years to come, as they await the next wave of Marvel storytelling.
For now, fans can only speculate about what the future holds for Deadpool and the evolving MCU landscape. But one thing is certain: thanks to Ryan Reynolds and Chris Evans, Deadpool & Wolverine has given fans a lasting memory of comic book heroes, past and present, in a tribute that’s as funny as it is heartwarming.