The Marvel blockbuster “Deadpool & Wolverine” has thrilled audiences with surprise guest appearances from classic characters. Chief among these is a brief but impactful return from Chris Evans as Human Torch, delighting longtime fans of the actor and the iconic role.
Evans, best known for portraying Captain America in several hugely successful Marvel films, reprised his role as Johnny Storm from the 2005 “Fantastic Four” movie in a cameo that packed an emotional punch. While fans rejoiced at seeing Evans back in the blue uniform, the scene ended on a shocking note when Emma Corrin’s villain Cassandra Nova dispatched the Human Torch.
According to Evans, coming back for the cameo was an easy decision after getting a personal invite from his friend Ryan Reynolds, star of the Deadpool franchise. “Ryan and I have always had a great creative collaboration, from Free Guy to this,” Evans told Entertainment Weekly.
“The chance to pay homage to Johnny again with a surprise for longtime fans was too fun to pass up.” Corrin, who has shone in roles from “The Crown” to “Lady Chatterley’s Lover,” said eliminating the Human Torch left them feeling conflicted, having witnessed the joyous fan reactions to Evans’ entrance.
Beyond thrilling audiences, the film’s surprise appearances including Jennifer Garner’s Elektra and Wesley Snipes reprising Blade may be driving its huge box office success. Having grossed over $658.9 million globally in just over one week, “Deadpool & Wolverine” is exceeding expectations and projected for a strong second weekend of $94 million domestic based on enthusiasm from theaters packed with nostalgic Marvel fans.
The film’s blend of humor, action and nostalgia for the longtime Marvel faithful has clearly resonated in a big way. As excitement continues over its shocking cameos, the popular Marvel crossover looks set for further box office dominance.