When Wade Wilson jumps back into theaters with DEADPOOL 2, the Merc with a Mouth won’t be alone in his escapades. The sequel introduces audiences to Cable (played by Josh Brolin) and Domino (played by Zazie Beetz). Both characters are integral to the character’s universe, and they’ll play an important role in Deadpool 2. They’re also expected to be prominent presences in the X-Men series moving forward.

While Deadpool has become a household name in the last few years, Cable and Domino aren’t nearly as well-known. Let’s take a look at these mutants, and see what roles they could play in the larger X-Men universe.

Cable

Real name: Nathan Summers Comic book debut: ‘New Mutants #86’ (1990) Played by: Josh Brolin Cable is the son of Scott Summers and Madelyne Pryor, a Jean Grey clone created by Mr. Sinister. Similar to Jean Grey, Cable is a powerful telepath. As a child, Cable was injected with the Techno-Organic virus, which slowly ate away his flesh and replaced it with metal. Cable was sent into the future to look for a cure. In his new timeline he became a proficient soldier and learned to use his psychic abilities to hold back the Techno-Organic virus in his body. As an adult, Cable travelled back to the past while looking for Stryfe, his evil clone.

During his stay in the past, the time-traveling adventurer met Deadpool for the first time. The two antiheroes started out as enemies, but their relationship developed over time and Cable became a main player in Deadpool’s story. Even then, their friendship remained highly volatile. Deadpool’s care-free attitude and Cable’s stern demeanor often clashed, which resulted in them constantly being at each other’s throats. Cable and Deadpool are also part of X-Force, a clandestine team of mutants which hunts down mutant criminals.

Domino

Real name: Neena Thurman Comic book debut: ‘New Mutants’ #98 (1992) Played by: Zazie Beetz Domino isn’t your typical mutant. She was genetically engineered as part of Project Armageddon, a clandestine government program tasked with creating the ultimate mutant weapon. The young mutant lived in isolation for the first years of her life. She was eventually freed by her mother, however, and was sent to live with a priest. Domino trained relentlessly while growing up and eventually became a mercenary. Domino has the ability to manipulate probability in her favor, which grants her good luck during dangerous situations. Thanks to her rigorous training, she is also a gifted athlete and an expert fighter.

Much like Cable, Domino is a prominent character in the Deadpool universe. Her relationship with the Merc with a Mouth was initially strained due to the constant clashing of their widely different personalities. As time went on, the two antiheroes warmed to one another. They aren’t exactly friends, but they tolerate each other and work together often. In fact, at one point Domino led Deadpool’s “Mercs for Money” team. Domino is a member of X-Force and she’s been part of numerous iterations of the team throughout the years.

Deadpool 2 Is Only The Beginning For Cable And Domino

Cable and Domino are integral players in the Marvel universe and Fox is looking to give the characters their due on the big screen. Big plans are in place for Deadpool and his new teammates. The next step for the crime-fighting trio is X-Force. The long-gestating team-up film is being written and directed by Drew Goddard (The Cabin In The Woods). Little is known about X-Force at this point (a release date is yet to be determined) but Cable will have a prominent role in the film. Speaking with Collider, Josh Brolin said:

“I’m not going to tell you how much I’m in [‘Deadpool 2’], but it’s [Cable’s] introduction, and I think his introduction [is] a proper reveal. I think we’re not trying to hide the fact that this is the beginning of Cable and absolutely not the end […] So then when we finally get into ‘X-Force,’ you’re going to be with this guy full blown all the time. There’s a lot to be revealed […] but there’s three more movies to reveal more.”

As for Domino, she’s also expected to be part of X-Force. Given how pivotal she is to the team in the comics, the character will most likely play an important role in the film. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Zazie Beetz signed a three-picture deal to play the luck-altering mutant. Future X-Men films after X-Force are currently a mystery, but there’s clearly much more to come from Cable and Domino.

Domino and Cable have a lot of potential. Given their nuanced nature and shifting morality, they could be fascinating additions to the ever-growing comic book movie genre. It will be exciting to see where DEADPOOL 2 and X-Force will take both heroes.

DEADPOOL 2 will arrive in theaters on May 18, 2018.