Ryan Reynolds hinted Hugh Jackman would eventually come back as Wolverine four years ago

It looks like Ryan Reynolds knew Hugh Jackman would return as Wolverine four years ago.

Reynolds has confirmed the Australian actor will be getting the claws back for Deadpool 3, which is scheduled for release in September 2024.

While Jackman has been insistent that Logan was the last time he would play the superhero, it's now been revealed that he's suiting up one more time.

Fans around the world have been absolutely blown away by the news, however we should have seen it coming.

Reynolds already teased this way back in 2018 in the credit scenes for Deadpool 2.

His character Wade - aka Deadpool - travels back in time to confront Jackman's Wolverine.

"Eventually you're going to hang up the claws and it's going to make a lot of people very sad," Reynolds' character said in the clip.

"But, one day your old pal Wade is going to ask you to get back in the saddle again. When he does, say yes."

A rather stunned Wolverine nods and replies: "Oh. Right."

Then, just before it cuts away, Deadpool whispers: "Love you."

20th Century Studios

People are very excited to see the adamantium-spiked Wolverine return to the silver screen after he hanged up his claws in 2017's Logan.

Ryan Reynolds broke the news in his usual playful, snarky fashion.

He posted a tongue-in-cheek video to Twitter with the caption: "Hard keeping my mouth sewn shut about this one."

In the clip, Reynolds shared a long monologue about his preparation for Deadpool 3.

He also expressed his disappointment that the team couldn't bring anything to the D23 Fan Expo in early September. 

"Hey everyone. We’re extremely sad to have missed D23, but we’ve been working very hard on the next Deadpool film for, uh, a good long while now," he said.

"I’ve had to really search my soul on this one. His first appearance in the MCU obviously needs to feel special. We need to stay true to the character, find new depth and motivation, new meaning."

Reynolds added: "Every Deadpool needs to stand out and stand apart. It’s been an incredible challenge that has forced me to reach down deep inside, and I…I have nothing…yeah…just…completely…empty up there…and terrifying."

But, it seems he did have something up his sleeve.

At the very end of the clip, Reynolds drops the bombshell.

"But we did have one idea. Hey Hugh, you want to play Wolverine one more time?"

Well, slap me silly and call me Dusty. This one is going to be good.

The film will open in cinemas on September 6, 2024.