Brad Pitt, Hollywood’s perpetual A-lister, has a filmography as diverse as it is prestigious. From thrilling audiences in 12 Monkeys to charming in Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and evoking deep emotions in 12 Years a Slave, Pitt’s roles have undeniably shaped modern cinema. However, one of his less-heralded yet fascinating roles came in the form of a 3-second cameo as the invisible mutant Vanisher in Deadpool 2. This brief appearance, priced at a modest $956, was not just a nod to his friendship with director David Leitch but a move that intrigued Marvel fans worldwide.
Vanisher’s Potential Return in ‘X-Men ’97’
Deadpool 2 showcased Vanisher in a hilariously limited role, visible only moments before his untimely demise. Yet, this character holds significant potential within the Marvel Comics universe. Historically, Vanisher has tangled with various mutant groups, from the X-Men to the New Mutants and X-Force, marking him as a multifaceted character ripe for further exploration.
The upcoming Season 2 of X-Men ’97 presents an ideal platform for Vanisher’s return. The animated series, which continues to captivate fans with its rich storytelling and character development, could explore deeper layers of Vanisher’s persona. Given his comic book legacy as a member of Emma Frost’s Hellfire Club and his teleportation adventures across Genosha, the series has a wealth of narrative paths to traverse with Vanisher.
Moreover, his transformation in Krakoa and role in S.W.O.R.D.’s teleportation team hint at a character arc that moves from villainy to heroism, an evolution that X-Men ’97 could beautifully render.
The Friendship Behind the Cameo
The reason behind Pitt’s cameo in Deadpool 2 is as heartfelt as it is simple. During a press tour interview for BBC One, cited by Screen Rant, Pitt shared that the cameo was “pretty much the easiest thing I’ve ever done,” attributing this decision to his longstanding friendship with Leitch.
“Pretty much, easiest thing I’ve ever done. Dave’s an old friend of mine and he used to be… he was my stunt double starting with Fight Club and all the way up till about 2004. And then he went off and became a really good director, which is rare. Rare.”
Leitch’s journey from stunt double to director encapsulates a story of loyalty and success, elements that resonated with Pitt, making his brief role in Deadpool 2 not just a professional engagement but a personal gesture.
Conclusion
While Brad Pitt’s venture into the superhero realm with Deadpool 2 was fleeting, the implications of his role extend far beyond those few seconds on screen. As X-Men ’97 gears up for its next season, the potential inclusion of Vanisher could not only enrich the series’ narrative but also pay homage to an underutilized character who has much more to offer than his brief cinematic history suggests.
Fans of the Marvel universe and Brad Pitt alike will no doubt be watching eagerly, hoping that this cameo translates into a more substantive role in the ever-expanding Marvel cinematic and television landscape. As Deadpool 2 continues to stream on Disney+, viewers can relive Vanisher’s fleeting yet memorable appearance, awaiting what may come next in the animated adventures of the X-Men.