Ryan Reynolds, Will.i.am join Hugh Jackman in 'Wolverine'

Washington, Feb 20 : Ryan Reynolds and rapper Will.i.am have igned up to join the cast of 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine'.

Reynolds will be playing Deadpool, an assassin with self-healing powers, and Will.i.am will be starring as John Wraith, a mutant who has the power to teleport, and is another test subject of the Weapon X program that created Wolverine and other mercenaries.

Also joining them will be Taylor Kitsch as Gambit, Liev Schreiber as Victor Creed/Sabretooth, Danny Huston as William Stryker and Lynn Collins as Kayla Silver Fox, reports Variety.

Hugh Jackman will be reprising his role as Wolverine in the "X-Men" spinoff to be directed by Gavin Hood from a script penned by David Benioff.

Shooting is currently taking place in New Zealand, Australia and New Orleans, with a May 1, 2009 release date set.

Lauren Shuler Donner and Ralph Winter are producing with Jackman and his Seed Prods. producing partner John Palermo. Marvel's Kevin Feige exec produces.

ANI