The possibility of seeing Cable again in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is back on the table. Rob Liefeld, who created the character alongside Fabian Nicieza, has made it clear that he would love for Josh Brolin to return to the role in a hypothetical Deadpool 4, at a time when rumors about the future of the mutant franchise within Marvel Studios are intensifying.
The comment comes after various reports suggested that Ryan Reynolds would be interested in reuniting Deadpool and Cable in a fourth film, possibly alongside other characters linked to the X-Men universe. The absence of Cable in Deadpool & Wolverine had raised questions among fans of the saga.
Rob Liefeld wants to bring back Cable in Deadpool 4
During an interview with The Direct at MultiCon 2026, Liefeld was asked directly about the rumors regarding a possible return of Josh Brolin as Cable. His response showed both enthusiasm and caution regarding the actual state of negotiations.
The character's creator acknowledged that he could check the information directly with Brolin, although he avoided confirming whether formal conversations are underway. In his own words, no one wants to see Cable back on the big screen more than he does.
Liefeld also recalled that Brolin is going through an especially solid moment in his career, with collaborations alongside filmmakers such as Ridley Scott, Denis Villeneuve, or Zach Cregger, which would explain why the actor does not need to rely on superhero cinema to maintain his professional prestige.
Josh Brolin still has much to offer as Cable
Despite acknowledging that he is unaware of Brolin's actual interest in reprising the role, Liefeld insisted that the character of Nathan Summers retains enormous, untapped narrative potential within the MCU.
The creator especially highlighted the performance Brolin delivered in Deadpool 2, released in 2018, where Cable became much more than a simple antagonist. His tragic past, his relentless character, and his particular dynamic with Wade Wilson provided some of the most memorable moments of the film.
The contrast between the two characters worked as one of the film's great successes: against Deadpool's overflowing humor, Cable represented the toughness of someone forged in a war-torn future.
Marvel has already missed several opportunities to bring him back
The idea of incorporating Cable into the Marvel Cinematic Universe is not new. In 2022, discarded concept art from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness surfaced that included visual references to Deadpool and Cable during Stephen Strange and America Chavez's journey through different realities. That potential appearance never materialized.
The character's absence sparked controversy again with the release of Deadpool & Wolverine. In January 2025, Liefeld himself publicly claimed that Marvel Studios had blocked Cable's return to that film, a decision he openly criticized at the time.
The debate resurfaced strongly in July 2026, when it was leaked that Ryan Reynolds was pushing for Josh Brolin's return for a fourth Deadpool installment. To date, Marvel Studios has not officially confirmed any movement in that regard, so all available information remains in the realm of rumor.
The return of Cable could open up a much more ambitious story
His connection to the X-Men is too important to ignore
Beyond his relationship with Deadpool, Cable is one of the characters with the most narrative weight within the Marvel mutant universe. In the comics, Nathan Summers is closely linked to Cyclops, Jean Grey, time travel, and the adventures of X-Force, in addition to maintaining a decisive connection with Apocalypse, one of the X-Men's greatest villains.
The animated series X-Men ’97 has once again highlighted the enormous potential of the character when Marvel decides to fully exploit his background. Bringing back Brolin would allow for all those connections to be utilized without the need to introduce a new actor, just at a time when Marvel Studios is preparing a new stage for its mutants within the MCU.
Liefeld also expressed his conviction that Ryan Reynolds will continue to play Deadpool for many years, comparing that actor-character relationship to that of Ralph Macchio and Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid saga.
It remains to be seen if Josh Brolin is truly willing to reprise the role. If his return is confirmed, Deadpool 4 would have the opportunity to turn Cable into a much more relevant piece within the mutant future of Marvel Studios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who plays Cable in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
Actor Josh Brolin brought Cable to life in Deadpool 2, released in 2018.
Is the return of Cable in Deadpool 4 confirmed?
No. For the moment, these are rumors and the desire publicly expressed by Rob Liefeld, the character's creator. Marvel Studios has not officially confirmed anything regarding this.
Why didn't Cable appear in Deadpool & Wolverine?
In January 2025, Rob Liefeld stated that Marvel Studios blocked the character's return to that film, without offering further details on the reasons.
Who is Rob Liefeld?
He is the creator of Deadpool and Cable, as well as an influential figure in the history of superhero comics related to the X-Men.
What is Cable’s relationship with the X-Men in the comics?
Nathan Summers is connected to Cyclops, Jean Grey, time travel, X-Force, and the villain Apocalypse.
