Pop superstar Taylor Swift is rumored to be making a cameo appearance as the Marvel comic book character Dazzler in the upcoming Deadpool 3 film.
The original report by pop culture site Disinsider claimed Swift was cast as Dazzler and would appear briefly in the movie, slated for a 2024 release. However, Disinsider has since removed any mention of Swift from its article.
Nonetheless, rumors are swirling that the megastar singer may take on the role of the superhero pop star, known for transforming sound into light and energy beams.
Introduced in 1980’s The Uncanny X-Men #130, Dazzler was envisioned as a disco queen decked out in silver and blue spandex. With her musical abilities, the character seems a fitting part for Swift if the casting comes to fruition.
It would certainly be a major publicity win for Marvel and Ryan Reynolds, star of the Deadpool franchise. Reynolds has previously expressed interest in casting Spotify’s most-streamed female artist in one of his films.
However, similar stunt casting moves have backfired for Marvel in the past. Pop star Harry Styles had a surprise cameo as Eros in 2021’s Eternals, but the film drastically underperformed at the box office.
Rumors suggest Styles may still reprise his role as the brother of supervillain Thanos who has fought alongside The Avengers. But the character’s womanizing reputation in the comics could make him difficult to adapt to modern audiences.
Beyond Swift, reports indicate Deadpool 3 may feature additional cameo appearances by X-Men movie veterans. Patrick Stewart’s Professor X and Ian McKellen’s Magneto are supposedly returning.
There is also speculation that Taron Egerton may debut as an alternate Wolverine separate from Hugh Jackman’s iconic portrayal. Recent photos showing Jackman suited up in Wolverine’s classic yellow-and-blue costume have fueled theories that Deadpool 3 may incorporate the multiverse and different X-Men universes.
Jackman’s Wolverine died in the 2017 film Logan, set in the now-defunct X-Men movie universe shepherded by 20th Century Fox. Bringing his version into the Marvel Cinematic Universe could provide a mechanism to introduce the X-Men while explaining their absence in the MCU thus far.
The return of Stewart’s Professor X and other characters like Storm and Jean Grey would further bridge the two universes. Disney now owns the rights to the X-Men after acquiring Fox.
While Swift’s casting is still speculative, Dazzler seems a natural fit for her musical background. And Reynolds would surely jump at the chance to feature one of the world’s biggest pop stars in his superhero sequel.
But fans will have to wait for official confirmation as Deadpool 3 likely won’t arrive in theaters until May 2024. The prospect of Swift joining the MCU alongside A-listers like Reynolds, Jackman, and Stewart is certainly enticing.
However, Marvel needs to ensure any stunt casting serves the story rather than distracting from the central narrative. Cameos should complement the plot and characters instead of feelingshoehorned in.
If handed thoughtfully, Swift’s potential turn as Dazzler could be an inspired casting choice that thrills the singer’s massive fanbase. But Marvel cannot afford another underwhelming spectacle like Eternals.
Overall, rumors of Swift and other pop culture icons joining the world of Deadpool 3 have generated major buzz among fans. Their possible involvement demonstrates Marvel’s willingness to think big in expanding its cinematic universe.
