Henry Cavill’s Deadpool 3 cameo: Wolverine variant explained

There have been rumors of multiple major cameos since Deadpool & Wolverine was announced, and now we can confirm or debunk a major piece of hearsay – namely that Henry Cavill is playing a Wolverine variant in Deadpool 3.

The previous Deadpool movies featured unexpected appearances galore. But Deadpool & Wolverine kicks the cameo count into an even higher gear.

There was been talk of Lady Deadpool. News about Colossus and Negasonic Teenage Warhead. Some Spider-Man tittle-tattle. And a connection to It’s Always Sunny in Philadeplphia.

But what of Henry Cavill? Fans believe the actor formerly known as Superman pops up in Deadpool 3, potentially playing a Wolverine variant. Well here’s the scoop, so SPOILERS ahead…

Henry Cavill’s Deadpool 3 role explained

Yes, Henry Cavill is playing a Wolverine variant in Deadpool 3.

Producer Wendy Jacobson recently confirmed that some cameo rumors were purposely circulated by the filmmakers for “subterfuge and misdirection on the internet or in-person in order to protect the secrecy.” But the Cavill gossip was entirely correct.

Don’t expect lots of Super-Wolverine action however, as Cavill only makes a very fleeting cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine.

What does he do in the movie?

Cavill is one of the many variants Deadpool encounters as he searches the multiverse for a replacement for the one his timeline lost.

He encounters a few Wolverine variants, none of whom are particularly friendly. Crucially, they’re all played by Hugh Jackman… except for one.

We don’t learn much about Cavill’s Wolverine (dubbed Cavillerine in the credits). When Deadpool finds him, he’s tinkering with his motorbike and smoking a cigar. In Deadpool’s eyes, he’s the “full package.”

As he turns around, Wade can’t believe his eyes. “Henry Cavill Wolverine! The legends were true,” he says, before promising Marvel can treat him better than another studio down the road (DC, you will not be forgiven for putting a stop to Cavill’s Superman).

Cavill’s variant isn’t in the mood to talk, though. “You were just leaving,” he says, before pushing Wade into a wall, and that’s all we see of him.

Will he play Wolverine ever again?

Henry Cavill’s Wolverine variant survives his appearance in Deadpool 3, so there’s a chance he’ll return in a future movie.

But the cameo is essentially a joke and a piece of fan service – like John Krasinski playing Reed Richards in the Doctor Strange 2 – so therefore it may remain a one-time gag.

Either way, Henry Cavill has finally joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

For more surprise appearances from the Deadpool & Wolverine cast, check out our feature on the Deadpool 3 villains or learn about the Deadpool Corps. You can also see where the Deadpool movies charted on our list of the 50 best superhero movies. And here’s our guide to the best movies out this month.