Jennifer Garner debuted as the deadly assassin, Elektra, in two ill-fated superhero films that premiered in the 2000s. Now, she’s returning in the upcoming MCU film, Deadpool 3. This marks a remarkable resurrection of a character last seen almost two decades ago.
Garner initially embodied Elektra Natchios in the 2003 Daredevil film, sharing the screen with then-spouse Ben Affleck. The Daredevil film received a lukewarm reception, despite which Elektra spun off into a standalone film in 2005. Garner and her performance as the Greek ninja dressed in crimson received praise even as the Elektra movie tanked at the box office and with critics. Now, two decades on, Garner picks up her sais once more to inhabit the persona of Elektra, in a film that sees her standing side by side with Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine.
Given the history and context, Garner’s involvement strongly indicates that Deadpool 3 will play with the intriguing concept of the multiverse. Marvel fans are well aware of Deadpool’s propensity to break the fourth wall, effectively making the Merc with a Mouth a one-man multiverse. However, with the introduction of Elektra and the rumored re-introduction of several classic characters, this movie seems poised to not only expand the Marvel Cinematic Universe but also tether its disparate elements into one unified narrative.
There’s no word on the extent of Garner’s role in the film. It could range from a clever cameo to a central storyline. It’s this elusive nature of her role, much like the film’s overall plot, that only fuels fan theories and excitement.
Garner’s recent collaboration with Deadpool 3’s star Ryan Reynolds and director Shawn Levy on Netflix’s The Adam Project might have been a catalyst for this surprise casting. Their working relationship could have influenced Garner’s decision to reprise her Elektra role, adding another layer to this complex Marvel narrative.
This casting news also brings back memories of Garner’s past roles in action films, not least her vigilante violence showcase in Peppermint, demonstrating her ongoing appetite for action scenes. Her return also marks a recognition of her role in the advancement of female-led superhero films, a contribution overshadowed by Elektra’s disappointing performance.
Garner’s return, along with Jackman’s reappearance as Wolverine, makes Deadpool 3 a much-anticipated time capsule from Marvel’s past. The rumors of other superhero retirements being called off only add to the movie’s burgeoning excitement. Garner’s inclusion does more than revisit her character; it symbolizes a reopening of doors to characters and actors from Marvel’s past.
As filming of Deadpool 3 continues, we’ll likely find out more about who else has signed on to appear in the MCU’s latest multiversal romp. Who knows? It might see Benedict Cumberbatch’s first appearance as Doctor Strange since last year’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
The good news is that Deadpool 3 was the one beneficiary of the recent MCU reshuffling, giving it an earlier premiere date of May 3, 2024.
