Deadpool 3 is finally done filming

Can Deadpool 3 resuscitate superhero movies? We’ll soon find out, as the third film in the violent, raunchy franchise has just wrapped, according to Ryan Reynolds. The actor has long been teasing the on-screen reunion between himself and Hugh Jackman, with whom he first starred in the much-maligned 2009 film X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Now the pair will get a shot at redemption with the much more beloved Deadpool series, which debuts its third film on July 26.

“The suit hides the blood. Also sweat… But today, with Deadpool wrapping, it’s mostly tears,” Reynolds posted to social media on Wednesday (accompanied by a picture of Deadpool’s crotch). “A giant and forever thanks to the cast and crew of our film who battled wind, rain, strikes and @RealHughJackman… all under the stalwart leadership of @ShawnLevyDirect I got to make a movie with my closest pals and that doesn’t happen very often. See ya July 26th….” Director Shawn Levy reposted the message and added, “Had the greatest time of my life shooting this movie. Post production starts at dawn.”

It may be more accurate to say Deadpool battled the greed of studio executives (against whom both SAG-AFTRA and the WGA initiated a work stoppage), but either way Hollywood’s summer of strikes delayed Deadpool filming for some time. Even when production resumed, Deadpool still had to battle with set leaks that threatened to spoil the film’s plot. Addressing the leaked images, Reynolds wrote at the time, “The film is built for audience joy—and our highest hope is to preserve as much of that magic as possible for the finished film and the big screen.”

Now that the deed is done, perhaps the best sign-off for Deadpool filming came from Dogpool, who posted on Instagram, “That’s a wrap on my first movie! We worked our pants off but it was worth it. Everyone on set was the utmost professional, especially Shawn Levy and Hugh Jackman. And a super-hero big bow-wow-WOW to the entire crew. No matter the challenge, you rose to the task and made it look easy. I wouldn’t change a thing. Except maybe one person who was a little extra to deal with. But don’t worry, I’ve forgiven him. I even left him a very special warm, personal gift in his trailer.” See you at the movies!