Deadpool 4's Cable Return Rumors Get Surprising Update That Changes Josh Brolin's MCU Future

Published Oct 11, 2026, 9:53 PM EDT

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Josh Brolin's MCU future has been uncertain for quite some time, but a new update offers viewers a little more clarity.

Speculation about a fourth installment of the Deadpool franchise has been swirling around the internet, questions have emerged about whether Brolin would finally reprise his role as Cable. A report from July 2026 claimed that Reynolds was interested in including Cable, Wolverine, and Storm in Deadpool 4. However, there has been no official confirmation that Brolin will return, leaving the character's future unresolved.

Brolin's potential return as Cable in Deadpool 4 has finally been addressed. Unfortunately for fans of the actor, it isn't great news. Brolin first portrayed the time-traveling mutant in 2018's Deadpool 2, starring alongside Ryan Reynolds' Wade Wilson. Despite becoming an important part of the sequel, Cable was absent from 2024's Deadpool & Wolverine, which marked the antihero's official introduction to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

According to an exclusive interview with The Direct, Deadpool and Cable co-creator Rob Liefeld addressed the possibility of Brolin returning for Deadpool 4. Although Liefeld expressed enthusiasm about seeing the character again, he revealed that he had no definitive information about whether the actor would reprise the role.

During the discussion, Liefeld praised Brolin's success outside superhero movies. He explained how his very well-established career in the entertainment industry gives him a huge amount of freedom when deciding which roles to pursue. This means that another appearance as Cable might not be among his highest priorities.

Here's the great thing about Josh Brolin: he doesn't need comic book movies. The guy is the most sought after actor, whether it's Ridley Scott calling him up, Denis [Villeneuve] calling him up, [Zach] Cregger on 'Weapons.' He's in this upcoming 'Whalefall' that looks amazing. Josh can afford to never be in another movie again, because he is one of the most sought-after actors.

So, I'm not sure. Maybe Cable is not something he's interested in anymore, but I would hope, given the opportunity, he would return. But he's such a great guy, and for me, the guy who brought Cable into the world, I loved his portrayal. I think there was so much more meat on those bones. Obviously, there's going to be more Deadpool... For Ryan [Reynolds], that's his Karate Kid. Ralph Macchio had Daniel-san, and Ryan has Deadpool... I saw Ralph Macchio as Karate Kid. It was my junior year in high school, 1984, and I'm pretty sure I saw him last summer as a Karate Kid. That's a long time. I think the joke about Hugh Jackman playing Wolverine 'til he's 90 is also Ryan. So, that's my opinion on that.

However, the comic book creator made it clear that he would welcome the actor's return. He said that he loved Brolin's portrayal of the character. He added that this specific iteration of Cable has so much potential and that there is so much room for development. Liefeld also states that he is optimistic about Deadpool's future on the big screen.

Brolin previously expressed interest in playing Cable again. His earlier statements are encouraging for fans as they heavily imply that another appearance is not necessarily out of the question, even though Liefeld's latest comments leave his current plans ambiguous. The character also has unfinished business within the franchise. Deadpool 2 concluded with Cable surviving and beginning a working relationship with Wade, leaving the door open for new potential storylines.

There is no confirmed release date for Deadpool 4 at the time of this article's publication.

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Deadpool is a 2016 film featuring Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson, a former Special Forces operative turned mercenary. After a rogue experiment grants him accelerated healing powers, Wilson adopts the alter ego Deadpool and embarks on a quest for revenge against the man responsible for his transformation.