Deadpool & Wolverine: Kevin Nash Has A Brutal Response To The Russian Being Recast

Deadpool & Wolverine: Kevin Nash Has A Brutal Response To The Russian Being Recast

As a long-time fan and admirer of Kevin Nash’s illustrious career, I can’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment that we didn’t see him reprise his iconic role as The Russian in “Deadpool & Wolverine.” His portrayal of the character in “The Punisher” was undeniably brutal and unforgettable, much like the infamous “Fingerpoke of Doom” he delivered to Hulk Hogan during their epic wrestling match.


As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but notice the delightful array of characters from Marvel’s Multiverse that populate the world of Deadpool & Wolverine. One such character is Elektra, portrayed by Jennifer Garner, who was unfortunately linked to one of the least successful superhero movies in history. Another intriguing addition is Gambit, played by Channing Tatum, whose big-screen adventure never came to fruition. Regrettably, this film didn’t manage to include any characters from the 2004 adaptation of The Punisher, although a version of The Russian makes an appearance, brought to life here by actor Billy Clements. While not the most notable cameo in the movie, it’s worth noting that former WWE champion Kevin Nash, who played the villain in the ‘Punisher’ film, took notice of this character portrayal.

Discussing on Kliq This: Kevin Nash’s Podcast, the former wrestler-turned-actor expressed some critical opinions about the new portrayal of The Russian in Deadpool 3. Differing significantly from the clean-shaven, blonde character he played in “The Punisher,” this new version sports brown hair and a beard. Nash stated, “That doesn’t resemble the character I played. That doesn’t resemble The Russian.” This implies that he may not be pleased with the current depiction of the massive assassin in the upcoming film.

As a gamer putting on my director’s hat, it’s true that finding an actor who looks like Nash’s Russian character is challenging – let’s face it, “Big Sexy” is a colossal figure with an unmistakable appearance. Yet, despite the tone of my previous comments possibly coming off as critical, I’m not particularly bothered about Clements taking over the role that made Nash famous.

Kevin Nash seems reluctant to star in more movies

Deadpool & Wolverine: Kevin Nash Has A Brutal Response To The Russian Being Recast

In a different yet straightforward rendition: Kevin Nash’s portrayal of The Russian in “The Punisher” was more destructive than the well-known “Fingerpoke of Doom” he executed on Hulk Hogan during “WCW Nitro.” Known for his size, Nash played one of the assassins assigned to take down Thomas Jane’s title character, resulting in a fierce confrontation within a confined apartment. The scene was intense, and many viewers who watched the 2004 film would have been thrilled to see him appear in “Deadpool & Wolverine.” However, it remains uncertain if he would have agreed to reprise his role had Marvel approached him.

As a devoted fan, I must share that during his interview on “Kliq This,” Nash humorously hinted at his current acting pursuits, suggesting he’s all about taking it easy these days. But don’t be fooled! At 65, what this legend truly desires is the hustle and bustle of a new location, residing in a hotel, and putting in a full 12-hour workday. After wrapping up, he longs to return home, where he’ll prepare and savor his meal while reviewing lines for the next day. During makeup calls the following day, he’d request line rehearsals with colleagues, and whenever given a break, he’d practice lines once more before shooting a scene or one we’re not in. He even seeks out fellow actors to run lines with!

It appears that Nash finds acting’s everyday tasks unappealing. Yet, it’s significant to mention that he had a near-death experience during filming the mentioned scene in “The Punisher.”

Kevin Nash’s near-death experience on The Punisher

Deadpool & Wolverine: Kevin Nash Has A Brutal Response To The Russian Being Recast

In simpler terms, “The Punisher” is a brutal film that demanded its cast members to perform some level of physicality. Given his background as a professional wrestler, Kevin Nash was perfectly suited for this type of action movie. However, it’s important to note that taking falls in the wrestling ring and getting stabbed are two distinct experiences, something the former WCW and WWE star can confirm from personal experience.

On a separate occasion during Kliq This, Nash narrated his account of being stabbed on the film set of “The Punisher.” The incident transpired while they were filming the fight scene between The Russian and Frank Castle. To his surprise, Thomas Jane was actually using a real knife instead of a prop. While the prop master was preoccupied flirting with someone nearby, he failed to switch out the knives. As a result, Nash ended up getting stabbed in the collarbone.

Lucky for me, Nash lived through our last adventure, and I harbor no grudge against Jane for sticking me with that knife. However, when you think about it, the creators of “Deadpool & Wolverine” were sitting on a gold mine by not replacing Nash and making light of his real-life ordeal in their meta humor. It’s a missed opportunity that leaves fans like us still speculating about what could have been.

If you want to learn more about more obscure references in Marvel’s latest big-budget blockbuster, read about the small details you might have missed in “Deadpool & Wolverine.”

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2024-08-09 21:30