Halle Berry has long been a dominant force in Hollywood, with a career that spans decades and includes a diverse array of roles. From her Oscar-winning performance in Monster’s Ball to her status as an action star in films like Catwoman and John Wick, Berry has proven time and again that she is a versatile and powerful actress.

However, for many fans, her most iconic role remains that of Storm in the original X-Men trilogy. As the weather-controlling mutant, Berry brought a sense of strength and grace to the character, making her one of the most beloved figures in the Marvel universe. With the release of Deadpool & Wolverine, fans were eagerly anticipating the return of Berry’s Storm to the big screen. Yet, despite the film’s celebration of the Marvel legacy, Berry was noticeably absent, leaving fans disappointed and questioning the decision-making behind the film.

Deadpool & Wolverine was touted as a love letter to the Fox-era Marvel films, a tribute to the characters and stories that paved the way for the modern MCU. The film, starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, promised to bring together a host of familiar faces from the X-Men universe.

The return of Jackman’s Wolverine was a major selling point, and fans were hopeful that other key characters, including Berry’s Storm, would also make an appearance. However, as the film unfolded, it became clear that Storm was not part of the story, a surprising omission that left many fans feeling let down.

In a recent interview with Comicbook.com, Berry revealed that she was never approached to reprise her role as Storm in Deadpool & Wolverine. According to the actress, the idea was briefly mentioned by Reynolds’ wife, Blake Lively, but it never progressed beyond a casual conversation.

“Blake Lively asked me one time, I ran into her at a Marc Jacobs fashion show, and she said, ‘Would you ever be in my husband’s movie as Storm?’ I said, ‘Yeah, if he asked me,’ but he never asked me,” Berry explained. Her comments underscore a missed opportunity, not just for the film, but for the entire Marvel franchise.

Berry’s absence from Deadpool & Wolverine is particularly glaring given the significance of her character in the X-Men films. As one of the original members of the X-Men, Storm played a pivotal role in the franchise’s success.

Her leadership, power, and compassion made her a fan favorite, and Berry’s portrayal of the character was widely praised. The decision to exclude her from Deadpool & Wolverine feels like a disservice to both the character and the actress, and it raises questions about the film’s approach to honoring the legacy of the X-Men.

While Deadpool & Wolverine featured several cameos from the Fox-era X-Men films, including appearances by Pyro and Sabretooth, the lack of major characters like Storm is a notable omission. The film did include notable female characters like Lady Deadpool, voiced by Blake Lively, and Jennifer Garner’s Elektra, but neither carried the same weight or significance as Storm.

The absence of Storm in the film not only deprived fans of a beloved character but also missed an opportunity to explore the rich history between her and Wolverine, a dynamic that could have added depth and emotion to the story.

The decision not to include Berry’s Storm in Deadpool & Wolverine is even more perplexing when considering the broader context of the MCU. As the Marvel universe continues to expand, there has been a growing emphasis on diversity and representation.

Berry’s portrayal of Storm was groundbreaking at the time, as she was one of the few Black actresses to play a major superhero in a blockbuster film. Her character was a trailblazer, and her absence in the latest Marvel film feels like a step backward in terms of representation.

Moreover, Berry’s Storm could have played a crucial role in the film’s narrative. The character’s powers and personality would have provided a compelling counterpoint to the chaos and irreverence of Deadpool and Wolverine.

A reunion between Storm and Wolverine could have added emotional weight to the film, especially given the tragic backstory of the alternate Logan in the film. The exclusion of Storm from the film not only robbed fans of a potential highlight but also weakened the overall narrative.

Berry’s comments also shed light on the larger issue of how Hollywood treats female characters, particularly those played by women of color. While the MCU has made strides in recent years with films like Black Panther and Captain Marvel, there is still a long way to go in terms of ensuring that all characters are given the respect and recognition they deserve.

The decision not to include Storm in Deadpool & Wolverine feels like a missed opportunity to correct past wrongs and to give Berry’s character the spotlight she deserves.

Beyond the missed opportunity in Deadpool & Wolverine, Berry’s absence from the MCU also reflects a broader pattern of underutilizing the talents of female actors. Despite her success and acclaim, Berry has often been relegated to supporting roles or sidelined altogether in major Hollywood productions.

Her portrayal of Storm was one of the defining performances of the X-Men films, yet she has not been given the chance to revisit the character in recent years. This is in stark contrast to her male counterparts, like Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, who have been given multiple opportunities to return to their iconic roles.

The exclusion of Berry’s Storm from Deadpool & Wolverine also speaks to a larger issue within the superhero genre. While male characters are often given complex, nuanced storylines that explore their inner struggles and relationships, female characters are frequently reduced to supporting roles or love interests.

Storm is a powerful, independent character with a rich backstory, yet she has rarely been given the chance to shine in her own right. Her absence from Deadpool & Wolverine is a reminder that there is still much work to be done in terms of giving female superheroes the attention and respect they deserve.

In conclusion, Halle Berry’s absence from Deadpool & Wolverine is a significant oversight that highlights ongoing issues within the MCU and the superhero genre as a whole. Berry’s portrayal of Storm was a groundbreaking moment in the history of superhero cinema, and her exclusion from the latest Marvel film feels like a missed opportunity to honor that legacy.

Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry in The Union | Credits: Netflix

As the MCU continues to evolve, it is crucial that the franchise takes steps to ensure that all characters, particularly those played by women and people of color, are given the respect and recognition they deserve. The omission of Storm from Deadpool & Wolverine is a reminder that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done in terms of representation and inclusivity in Hollywood.