Ryan Reynolds Calls Out ‘Deadpool 3’ Set Photo Leaks and Asks Websites to ‘Hold Back Showing Images Before They’re Ready’

Marvel’s “Deadpool 3” has resumed filming now that the SAG-AFTRA strike has ended, but several photos have leaked from set. Casting scoops and leaks are sometimes an unfortunate part of filming these big-budget superhero films — remember when Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire’s roles in “Spider-Man: No Way Home” leaked way ahead of the film’s release? — but “Deadpool” star Ryan Reynolds is asking nosy websites to please preserve his film’s secret moments.

“Surprises are part of the magic of theatrical movies. It’s important for us to shoot the new ‘Deadpool’ film in real, natural environments, using practical effects as opposed to making the movie indoors and digitally. Telephoto lenses continue to spoil surprises and create a difficult situation for everyone,” Reynolds posted on his Instagram story Wednesday morning.

More from Variety

• Marvel Delays 'Deadpool 3,' 'Captain America 4' and 'Thunderbolts' in Post-Strike Disney Release Shake-Up

• 'Deadpool 3' to Restart Filming Before Thanksgiving Following End of SAG-AFTRA Strike

• A 'Key Scene' in 'Deadpool 3' Is Shaped by 'Star Wars: Return of the Jedi': We 'Restudied How it Was Photographed, Blocked, the Framing, the Tempo'

Recent leaks from the “Deadpool 3” set this week seemed to show that “X-Men” villain Sabretooth is returning to fight Deadpool and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine in the MCU sequel. Photos showed a fight between the mutants and Deadpool holding Sabretooth’s severed head. Before filming halted due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, there was also a leaked photo of a giant 20th Century Fox logo on set — a reference to Fox owning the rights to “Deadpool” and “X-Men” before Disney acquired the company.

“Here’s hoping some of the websites and social channels hold back showing images before they’re ready,” Reynolds continued. “The film is built for audience joy — and our highest hope is to preserve as much of that magic as possible for the finished film and the big screen. Part of the reason people post spoilers is because they’re excited. I realize these aren’t real world issues and it’s firmly in the ‘good problems’ bucket. I love making this movie.”

“Deadpool 3” is arriving in theaters on July 26, 2024.

Best of Variety

• What's Coming to Netflix in December 2023

• Oscars Predictions: Best Actress - Lily Gladstone's Big Week Brings Her to the Forefront for 'Killers of the Flower Moon'

• Oscars Predictions: Best Actor - Who Will Lead the Critics' Awards for Leading Men?

Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.