As much of a cult comic icon as Deadpool may be, it’s safe to assume that the character’s strengths aren’t quite clear to mainstream audiences. He’s a deadly assassin with superhuman strength and reflexes, and able to regenerate almost immediately, making him nearly invincible. That demonstrates just how much he has in common with Hugh Jackman’s world famous Wolverine, but humor looks to be Deadpool’s his trademark – and now, there are reports that a fan-favorite X-Men member will be joining him in his solo debut.

Just as word has broken that actress/MMA fighter Gina Carano (Haywire) will be joining the case as yet another Marvel comic book character, it also seems that Colossus – played by Daniel Cudmore in the X-Men films – will also be appearing in the story.

The casting information comes courtesy of THR, who reveal that Carano will be bringing the character of Christine a.k.a. Angel Dust, a mutant capable of unleashing adrenaline into her system (rendering her nearly superhuman for periods of time). The character owes her origins to Geoff Johns, and was first introduced as a member of the Morlocks, an underground mutant cell created by prolific “X-Men” writer Chris Claremont.

How her character will fit into the film isn’t clear, but the Morlocks’ ties to the X-Men universe are to be expected. As a mutant who owes his mutation to the same Weapon X program that gave Wolverine his adamantium skeleton, Fox made it quite clear that the big screen Deadpool would be a part of the X-Men universe. That will likely bring him into contact with plenty of mutant enemies (with the actor playing the film’s villain potentially revealed), with Carano looking to be one such rival.

Ever since Deadpool was confirmed to be in the works, and time travel was introduced in X-Men: Days of Future Past, comic book fans have been hoping – and downright expecting – to see the Merc with a Mouth join forces with the X-Man most known for time-hopping: Cable. “Deadpool” creator Rob Liefeld has confirmed that Cable is on the way, but apparently, it will be Piotr Rasputin a.k.a. Colossus (Cudmore) who first crosses over into the solo film series.

Though details on how Colossus will fit into the film, or how large a role he may play aren’t available just yet, comic fans will know that an X-Men member showing up in Wade Wilson’s life isn’t entirely unprecedented. It’s hard to think of any evil mutant actually capable of resisting Deadpool’s bullets and blades without steel skin, so why not give one under-utilized hero a bigger piece of the spotlight?

We wouldn’t hold our breath that the film will end with an open invitation to join the X-Men proper (or actually show Deadpool somehow getting the best of the stoic Rasputin), but an opportunity for physical comedy and a longer look at a beloved Marvel hero is reason enough to get excited.

We’ll keep you posted as more details arrive, but for the time being, let us know what you think of Carano’s casting and whether the inclusion of Colossus should be limited to a cameo, or a full-blown cast member in your eyes.

Deadpool releases in theaters February 12, 2016.