Deadpool and Wolverine Star Shioli Kutsuna, 32 Awaits Word on Yukio’s Marvel Return

Shioli Kutsuna, who debuted as Yukio in 2018’s Deadpool 2, recently spoke about her brief return in last year’s Deadpool and Wolverine and what the future might hold for her character. The Marvel Cinematic Universe keeps growing, but not every character gets the spotlight they deserve. 

Deadpool and Wolverine: The Yukio We Fell in Love With

The outlook isn’t exactly promising, and fans have every right to feel let down. When Shioli Kutsuna first appeared as Yukio, she wasn’t just Negasonic Teenage Warhead’s girlfriend; she was also a capable X-Force member who could manipulate electricity and hold her own in battle. Her playful energy and genuine connection with Brianna Hildebrand’s Negasonic made her an instant standout.

Despite the film’s massive hype as the franchise’s official MCU debut, Shioli Kutsuna and most of the original supporting cast were practically invisible. Deadpool and Wolverine stuffed themselves with cameos and multiverse chaos, but the characters who actually helped build the franchise got pushed aside. Morena Baccarin, Brianna Hildebrand, Karan Soni, Stefan Kapicic, and Shioli Kutsuna were all there—technically. 

In speaking with BleedingCool, Shioli Kutsana said, “Yeah, I have no idea. Every time I’d meet Ryan, during a shoot, he’d be like, “Yeah, hopefully, I’m hoping for more for the next film or something like that.” I don’t know anything about it. They’re so secretive about everything with Marvel in general. It’ll be cool if there are more with that as well.” In 2023, Variety announced that “Brianna Hildebrand and Shioli Kutsana have closed deals to reprise their roles in Deadpool and Wolverine.”

They showed up, said a few words, and then vanished. Meanwhile, characters like Rob Delaney’s Peter and Leslie Uggams’ Blind Al managed to carve out memorable moments despite their limited time. What stung most was the final battle. Wade Wilson’s closest allies, the ones with actual superpowers, didn’t even get to fight alongside him. Instead, the spotlight went entirely to Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine and a rotating cast of Fox-era Marvel characters.

Marvel’s Impenetrable Secrecy

It’s hard not to feel for her. Here’s an actress who brought real warmth and energy to a beloved character, and she’s just as clueless about Yukio’s future as the rest of us. Marvel Studios operates on a strict need-to-know basis, and apparently, Kutsuna doesn’t need to know. Ryan Reynolds’ offhand comments suggest there’s interest in expanding her role, but words are cheap without follow-through.

There’s something genuinely frustrating about watching a character like Yukio get sidelined. Shioli Kutsuna didn’t just phone it in—she created a character with personality, charm, and genuine chemistry with her scene partners. There’s also a larger problem at play here. The MCU has become so bloated with characters and storylines that even fan-favorites struggle to stay relevant.

With the multiverse now fully operational, Marvel can pull from an infinite roster of heroes and villains. That means supporting characters like Yukio—no matter how beloved—can easily disappear into the noise. Despite the uncertainty and disappointment, fans haven’t given up. Social media continues to buzz with demands for a Yukio and Negasonic Teenage Warhead spin-off. The chemistry between Shioli Kutsuna and Brianna Hildebrand was undeniable, and their characters deserved more than background appearances. 

A series exploring their powers and their place in the mutant world could offer precisely the kind of fresh, character-driven content the MCU desperately needs right now. But until Marvel decides actually to commit to these characters, all we have is hope—and Ryan Reynolds’ vague reassurances. Marvel’s notorious secrecy means nothing is real until it’s officially announced, and even then, plans can shift at the last second. For now, Shioli Kutsuna and her fans are stuck in limbo.

Final Thoughts

The good news is that Shioli Kutsuna isn’t sitting around waiting. She’s currently starring in Invasion, which just wrapped up its third and final season on Apple TV+. Her talent is evident, and other projects are recognizing what Marvel seems content to overlook. As for Yukio? Her story deserves better. Whether Marvel will actually deliver remains to be seen.