Wesley Snipes Slices His Way Back into the Record Books with Deadpool & Wolverine Cameo
The world of Guinness World Records is a peculiar one, filled with achievements both astounding and utterly bizarre. It’s not unusual to find entries for things like the "most people simultaneously eating spaghetti" or the "longest time spent balancing a spoon on the nose." But sometimes, these feats intersect with the realm of pop culture in ways both unexpected and entertaining.
This is precisely what happened when Wesley Snipes, the iconic star of the Blade trilogy, made a surprise appearance in the highly anticipated film Deadpool & Wolverine. His cameo, though brief, resulted in two new Guinness World Records being bestowed upon the actor.
Longest Tenure of Any Live-Action Marvel Actor: Snipes’ return as Blade, after a 17-year absence from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, officially dethroned Hugh Jackman for the title of longest-tenured live-action Marvel actor. Clocking in at an impressive 25 years and 340 days, Snipes’ record now surpasses Jackman’s reign by a significant margin. The previous holder of this record was Patrick Stewart, who portrayed Professor X in the X-Men franchise for a period of 18 years.
Longest Gap between Character Appearances in Marvel Films: This record emphasizes the sheer longevity of Snipes’ association with the Marvel universe. His Deadpool & Wolverine cameo marked a 19-year and 231-day gap since his last appearance as Blade in Blade: Trinity (2007). This record is even more remarkable considering it surpasses Alfred Molina’s 17-year gap between playing Doc Ock in Spider-Man 2 (2004) and No Way Home.
While Snipes’ record-breaking return was a welcome surprise for fans, it was also slightly controversial. The character of Blade was notably absent from the Marvel Cinematic Universe until this cameo, with Mahershala Ali slated to take on the role in an upcoming solo film. The potential for two actors portraying the same character in the MCU, with such a significant time gap between their portrayals, sparked debate among fans and critics. While the fate of the Mahershala Ali Blade film remains uncertain, Snipes’ cameo served as a nostalgic reminder of the character’s enduring legacy and cemented his place in Marvel history.
The Deadpool & Wolverine cameo didn’t just revive Snipes’s cinematic career – it brought him back into the spotlight after a lengthy period of relative silence. He’s been famously outspoken about his past experiences within the Hollywood machine, which led to a period of self-imposed exile. However, his Deadpool & Wolverine appearance served as a powerful reminder of his undeniable charisma and talent.
"It didn’t make sense to me," Snipes recounted in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, "but when you get a call from Ryan out of the blue after 20 years, you go, ‘Okay, I got to take this call.’ […] He told me the idea… They said ‘yes’ and ‘it’s a go.’ ‘If you’re in, we’re in.”"
Snipes, known for his meticulous approach to his craft, was particularly dedicated to appearing physically prepared for the role, despite the short notice. He revealed that he worked tirelessly to get back in shape and trained rigorously to ensure he could embody Blade’s iconic physique and fighting prowess.
His impeccable physicality, coupled with his undeniable charisma, made the cameo an immediate success. Fans, both old and new, cheered at his return, demonstrating the unwavering power of his on-screen presence. Snipes’s ability to effortlessly slip back into the role, even after a nearly two-decade break, reaffirmed his status as a cinematic icon.
The cameo also offered a glimpse into the complex relationship between Snipes and Ryan Reynolds, who portrayed Deadpool. Despite rumors of a tense history while filming Blade: Trinity, the two actors appeared to have reconciled and showcased an amicable camaraderie during their shared scenes.
The Deadpool & Wolverine cameo was not just a record-breaking moment for Snipes, it was a testament to the enduring power of nostalgia. It demonstrated the enduring appeal of iconic characters and reminded us that in the realm of pop culture, even the most shocking revivals can still resonate with audiences deeply. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the future of the Blade franchise, Snipes’s return brought a sense of closure to his character’s journey, and his record-breaking cameo serves as a reminder that even after decades, the legacy of Blade remains as sharp as ever.
