Was Ben Affleck Asked To Return As Daredevil For A Deadpool And Wolverine Cameo? Shawn Levy Talks Celeb Outreach And How It Impacted The End Credits Scene

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As a gamer with over three decades of Marvel comics and movies under my belt, I must say that the latest Deadpool & Wolverine flick has left me utterly spellbound! The cameos were nothing short of spectacular, transporting us back to the golden age of Marvel-Fox collaborations.

“Warning! I’m about to dish out some major spoilers for the Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine flick. If you haven’t caught it yet, proceed with caution!”

Ever since the debut of Deadpool & Wolverine, there’s been a lot of excitement among fans due to the numerous cameos sprinkled throughout the film. From Chris Evans’ Human Torch to Jennifer Garner’s Elektra, many familiar faces graced our screens. However, not all Marvel-Fox alums were present in the 2024 movie lineup. Notably absent was Ben Affleck‘s Daredevil, who teamed up with Garner’s Elektra in his self-titled film from 2003. Recently, Director Shawn Levy disclosed how they approached celebrities for cameos and shared whether Affleck was ever approached to reprise his role. He also discussed the impact of these decisions on the post-credit scene.

In June 2023, there were rumors about Ben Affleck being involved in the new Deadpool movie. Reports claimed he was spotted on set, but it turned out that his character, Man Without Fear, didn’t make an appearance in the final cut. Recently, director Shawn Levy shared insights about the film and was asked if they contacted Ben Affleck or lead actor/co-producer Ryan Reynolds for a role. According to what Levy told Variety, no concrete plans were made regarding Affleck’s involvement.

In the beginning, when I was staring at a 70-item roster of Marvel characters, Daredevil was among them, but since then, no further discussions or invitations have been exchanged. However, during the midpoint of our end credits, we managed to reach out to every actor showcased in the Fox tribute reel – that’s a whole bunch who contributed to that rich history. It was really rewarding to create a heartfelt ode to those years, those characters, and the actors who breathed life into them. As a gamer, I can say it felt like completing an epic quest!

Initially, it appears as though the red-suited superhero was under consideration, but Ben Affleck, who played in Argo, wasn’t reached out to for a possible sequel. Given this, it’s understandable why he, along with several others, didn’t receive an invitation for the third installment. In the end, Shawn Levy and the producers had to choose characters that they felt were most suitable for the story they wanted to narrate. Facing a list of 70 classic characters was challenging, but I believe Levy and his team made wise choices in the character selection process.

As a gaming enthusiast, I must appreciate the thoughtful creative choice of incorporating that heartwarming sizzle reel among the closing credits. It’s filled with fascinating glimpses behind the scenes from Marvel movies during the Fox era, and it even includes some captivating moments from Daredevil. Although some might have wished for an actual appearance by the character, the nod in the credits scene is equally fitting and adds a special touch to the experience.

More on Deadpool & Wolverine

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The reception to Ben Affleck’s Daredevil film from 2003, while a box office success, has been quite mixed. Critics at its release and even today often criticize it, but there is also a dedicated fan base who fondly remember the movie. Interestingly, even Ben Affleck himself has expressed some disapproval of the comic book adaptation. However, what he values about the film is that it sensitively portrays the character’s blindness, a perspective that resonates with him personally.

Despite the varied responses to that particular rendition of DD, it would’ve been intriguing if he made an appearance in Deadpool & Wolverine, considering Elektra’s role. Jennifer Garner truly excelled when she reprised her character from the 2005 film with the same name. She even impressed her co-star, Dafne Keen, by quickly mastering her sai moves once more after such a long time. Notably, Garner also received praise for delivering a humorous yet non-violent joke that subtly referenced her divorce from Ben Affleck. Shawn Levy, the director, shared with Variety that these jokes and others were approved by the actors prior to their delivery.

It appears that the possibility of the original Daredevil from the 2000s making an appearance in a future Marvel Cinematic Universe production seems unlikely at the moment. However, it’s worth noting that we might have thought the same about Elektra, Blade, or any characters from D&W. So while there’s a glimmer of hope, it’s probably best to appreciate Shawn Levy and his team for their excellent work on this film instead.

Right now, Deadpool and Wolverine are on the big screen, and if you’re yearning for some old-school action, don’t forget that Daredevil is available on Disney+!

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2024-08-06 15:37