Aaron Stanford Confirms Pyro Continues His Role from X2

Marvel Studios stirred things up when they introduced the concept of variants to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Since its beginning in 2008, the franchise has been known for its single, interconnected storyline. However, after Avengers: Endgame, the multiverse concept was introduced, opening doors for filmmakers to explore alternate realities. This led to multiple versions of the same characters, sparking fan discussions on which characters and realities align with the “Sacred Timeline.”

If you’re concerned that the characters in Deadpool & Wolverine differ from those we’ve seen before, especially Aaron Stanford’s Pyro, you can rest easy. According to Stanford, the Pyro he plays in Deadpool & Wolverine is the exact same character from X2: X-Men United and X-Men: The Last Stand.

“I just took it as a continuation but again, with an adjustment for tone. Basically what I did was reach back and think this was the Pyro from X-Men 2,” Stanford shared with ComicBook’s Phase Zero podcast. “The idea behind that character was that he was a young, disaffected, and outcast kid who becomes radicalized. He becomes a radicalized terrorist and we see that journey. I took that interesting, complete portrait and then adjusted it for the Deadpool universe and the given circumstances of that world.”

In Deadpool & Wolverine, Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) make significant changes to the history of the MCU. The film features an ensemble cast including Matthew Macfadyen as Paradox, and Emma Corrin as Cassandra Nova. Returning from previous Deadpool films are Morena Baccarin as Vanessa Carlysle, Leslie Uggams as Blind Al, Karan Soni as Dopinder, Stefan Kapicic as Piotr Rasputin/Colossus, Brianna Hildebrand as Negasonic Teenage Warhead, Rob Delaney as Peter, and Lewis Tan as Shatterstar. Aaron Stanford also returns as Pyro from the X-Men film series, and there are rumors that Jennifer Garner will reprise her role as Elektra Natchios.

The film is produced by Kevin Feige, Ryan Reynolds, Shawn Levy, and Lauren Shuler Donner, with executive producers including Louis D’Esposito, Wendy Jacobson, Mary McLaglen, Josh McLaglen, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, George Dewey, and Simon Kinberg. The screenplay for Deadpool & Wolverine is crafted by Ryan Reynolds, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Zeb Wells, and Shawn Levy. The film is now exclusively available in theaters.