Deadpool & Wolverine is a multiverse road trip film that brings together an array of popular Marvel characters in a chaotic, action-packed adventure. Yet, despite the film’s star-studded lineup, fans noticed a glaring absence: Domino, played by Zazie Beetz, was nowhere to be found. Domino, a fan-favorite character who made a memorable debut in Deadpool 2, was expected by many to reprise her role in the sequel. However, not only was she absent, but the film also failed to provide any explanation for her exclusion.

In Deadpool 2, Domino was introduced as a key member of the X-Force alongside Cable (Josh Brolin), adding a unique dynamic to the team with her luck-based powers and charismatic personality. Her absence in Deadpool & Wolverine raises several questions, particularly given that other members of Deadpool’s crew made brief appearances. This article will explore the reasons behind Domino’s absence, its implications for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and what the future might hold for Zazie Beetz’s portrayal of the character.

Domino’s Impact in Deadpool 2: A Scene-Stealer

To understand the significance of Domino’s absence in Deadpool & Wolverine, we must first revisit her role in Deadpool 2. Zazie Beetz’s portrayal of Domino was a standout, with her unique ability to manipulate probability making her an invaluable asset to the X-Force. Her cool demeanor, combined with her fearless attitude, quickly made her a fan favorite. She brought a fresh energy to the film, balancing Deadpool’s chaotic antics with her calm, collected approach to danger.

Domino’s presence in Deadpool 2 was more than just a side character; she was integral to the plot and the chemistry of the team. Her dynamic with Deadpool and Cable added depth to the narrative, and her powers led to some of the film’s most visually stunning and memorable action sequences. Given her importance in Deadpool 2, her absence in the sequel is even more puzzling.

Deadpool & Wolverine: A Standalone Journey

Deadpool & Wolverine is a unique entry in the MCU, blending the irreverent humor of the Deadpool franchise with the more serious tone of Wolverine’s storyline. The film, while marketed as a direct sequel to the previous Deadpool movies, feels more like a standalone adventure focused on the titular characters. The movie primarily centers on Deadpool and Wolverine’s emotional journey through the multiverse, exploring their complex relationship and individual struggles.

The previous supporting cast from the Deadpool films makes only brief appearances at the beginning and end of the movie. Peter, a relatively minor character, becomes the most relevant member of Deadpool’s old crew, but his presence serves primarily to further Deadpool’s character development. In this context, it’s easier to understand why characters like Domino and Cable were not included in the main storyline. Their inclusion might have required more substantial story arcs, which could have detracted from the film’s focus on Deadpool and Wolverine.

Why Domino’s Absence Matters

While it’s clear that Deadpool & Wolverine was intended to be a more focused, character-driven narrative, Domino’s absence still matters, especially to fans who grew attached to her character in Deadpool 2. Her absence highlights a broader issue within the MCU: the challenge of balancing the introduction of new characters with the development of existing ones. As the MCU continues to expand, with more characters being introduced in every phase, it becomes increasingly difficult to give each character their due.

In the case of Domino, her absence could be seen as a missed opportunity. The Deadpool films are known for their ensemble casts and the chemistry between the characters. Domino’s unique powers and personality could have added an interesting dynamic to the multiverse road trip, potentially providing both comic relief and crucial support in the action sequences. Her exclusion, therefore, leaves a gap that’s hard to ignore.

Zazie Beetz Speaks Out: The Reality Behind Domino’s Absence

Before the release of Deadpool & Wolverine, rumors circulated about whether Domino would make a return. Zazie Beetz herself confirmed in an interview with Decider in June 2023 that she would not be appearing in the film. “Well, I’m actually not in Deadpool 3, so I don’t know what they’re doing. I’m assuming they’re probably taking a pause,” she stated. This confirmation dashed the hopes of many fans who were eager to see Domino back in action.

Beetz’s candid admission is a rare instance where an actor doesn’t mislead fans about their involvement in a superhero movie. While she didn’t provide a specific reason for Domino’s absence, her comments suggest that the decision might have been more about the direction of the film than any behind-the-scenes issues. The fact that Domino wasn’t even mentioned in the film, despite the rest of Deadpool’s crew making appearances, only adds to the mystery.

Theories and Speculation: Why Was Domino Left Out?

The absence of a clear explanation for Domino’s exclusion has led to various fan theories and speculations. One popular theory is that the nature of Deadpool & Wolverine—a multiverse-spanning road trip with a more serious tone—simply didn’t have room for a character like Domino without giving her a significant storyline. Given that the film already had to juggle the dynamic between Deadpool and Wolverine, introducing another strong personality like Domino might have complicated the narrative.

Another theory is that Marvel Studios is looking to present their own version of Domino in the future. With the MCU now fully incorporating characters from the Fox X-Men universe, there may be plans to reintroduce Domino in a new context, potentially with a different actress. This would align with Marvel’s approach to reimagining characters as they transition into the MCU proper, similar to how characters like Spider-Man and the Hulk were reintroduced with new actors and storylines.

However, it’s also possible that Domino’s absence is simply a matter of timing. As the MCU continues to explore the multiverse, characters who are currently absent could easily be brought back in future projects. The fact that Beetz has expressed interest in returning to the role suggests that Domino’s story is far from over.

The Future of Domino in the MCU: What Comes Next?

Although Domino’s absence in Deadpool & Wolverine was disappointing for many fans, it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the character in the MCU. The multiverse offers endless possibilities for characters to return, even if they were left out of a particular film. With the MCU’s current focus on exploring different timelines and alternate realities, there’s a strong chance that we’ll see Domino again, either in a future Deadpool installment or in another Marvel project.

One potential avenue for Domino’s return could be in a future X-Force film. The X-Force was introduced in Deadpool 2 as a team of mutants with a more aggressive approach to superhero work. While the team’s first mission ended in disaster, there’s plenty of potential for a new iteration of the X-Force to emerge in the MCU. Domino, with her luck-based powers and combat skills, would be a natural fit for such a team, and her return could explore her character in greater depth.

Another possibility is that Domino could appear in a project that explores the darker, more morally ambiguous side of the MCU. With shows like Moon Knight and Daredevil: Born Again pushing the boundaries of what the MCU can be, Domino could find a place in one of these grittier, more adult-oriented stories. Her character’s background as a mercenary and her connections to the criminal underworld would make her an intriguing addition to such narratives.

Zazie Beetz’s Domino: A Character Worth Revisiting

Zazie Beetz’s portrayal of Domino has left a lasting impression on fans, and it’s clear that there’s still a lot of interest in seeing her return to the role. Beetz herself has expressed a desire to revisit the character, and her enthusiasm suggests that Domino’s story is far from finished. The question is not if Domino will return, but when and in what context.

The MCU has a history of bringing back characters who were initially sidelined or underutilized. Characters like Bucky Barnes, Wanda Maximoff, and even Loki have all gone on to play significant roles in the MCU after originally appearing as supporting characters. Domino could follow a similar path, with her next appearance offering new insights into her character and her place in the MCU.

The Wait Continues for Domino Fans

For now, fans of Domino will have to remain patient. While her absence in Deadpool & Wolverine was a disappointment, it’s important to remember that the MCU is a constantly evolving narrative. Characters who are left out of one film can easily return in another, often with new and exciting storylines that build on their previous appearances.

Zazie Beetz’s portrayal of Domino has already made her a beloved character in the Deadpool franchise, and her potential return is something that many fans are eagerly anticipating. Whether she comes back as part of a new X-Force team, in a solo adventure, or in another unexpected way, Domino’s future in the MCU is bright.

As the MCU continues to expand and explore new territories, there’s no doubt that Domino will have a role to play. Until then, fans can look forward to whatever surprises Marvel has in store—and keep their fingers crossed that Domino will be back in action sooner rather than later.