What MCU Phase Will Deadpool 3 Fall Into?

Marvel fans finally got the long-awaited news of the next "Deadpool" sequel with a surprising guest star. The newest and bloodiest installment in Marvel's Cinematic Universe will include the veracious X-Men character Wolverine, played countless times by Hugh Jackman. The news stunned fans as Wolverine died to protect his prodigy X-23 (Dafne Keen) though "Logan" director James Mangold and Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds assure viewers they won't be tampering with the beloved send-off. 

The first two "Deadpool" films were outside the MCU and unable to connect to the rapidly interweaving and expanding saga. When Disney acquired 20th Century Studios in 2019, Marvel received a whole new toy box of heroic action figures to play with, including X-Men like Wolverine and characters like Deadpool. This also allows "Deadpool" to become serialized within the MCU and even interact with their wide array of characters in hilarious and clever ways.

This acquisition even makes other exciting team-ups possible like with the web-slinging Spider-Man (Tom Holland), metal manipulating mutant Magneto (Michael Fassbender/Ian McKellen), and even another version of himself following the variant style introduced in "Loki." These are just the beginning of the infinite realm of possibilities now that "Deadpool" has joined the fun. However, he won't be joining right away though, as his debut is at a critical point in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

"Deadpool's" volatile premiere may not be immediately on the horizon, but it will be well worth the wait. After "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" ends the MCU's Phase 4, we enter Phase 5 at a breakneck speed with the consequential "Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania." Featuring Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conquerer, the sequel will feature his most terrifying form with devastating consequences. This leads into the series "Secret Invasion," followed by "Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3" exclusively in theaters. 

The summer of 2023 will continue Phase 5 streaming with "Hawkeye" break-out Alaqua Cox in "Echo" and the return of "Loki" in Season 2. The delayed "Captain Marvel" feature "The Marvels" will also be landing in theaters. Deadpool's introduction shouldn't really affect these corners of the MCU, so it's best to save him for later as the Secret Wars ramp up.

Phase 5 will march on through 2024 with the Disney+ series "Ironheart," "Agatha: Coven of Chaos," and Charlie Cox makes his full return in "Daredevil: Born Again." On the film front, "Blade" will possibly slash into theaters with "Captain America: New World Order" and "Thunderbolts" closing out Phase 5 (via Esquire). After the chaotic and exhilarating Phase 5, Deadpool and Wolverine will finally make their foul-mouthed MCU launch in Phase 6's first film on September 6th, 2024. This thrilling addition to the MCU perfectly sets up game-changing installments like "Fantastic 4" and the mind-blowing two-part "Avengers: Secret Wars."