Less than a week after directorTim Millerparted ways withDeadpool 2overcreative differences, the studio is wasting no time in finding his replacement. A new report surfaced today that claimsJohn Wickco-directorDavid Leitchhas emerged as the front runner to replace the filmmaker, although the studio and the filmmaker wouldn’t respond to comment on the story.
Mashablereports that multiple sources are claimingDavid Leitchis the front runner to take the reins on thissuperhero sequel, although an official offer has yet to be made. We’ve previously reported that starRyan Reynoldshas been given a big raise and more creative control for the sequel, and it seems the actor’s talent agency, William Morris Endeavor, has been pushing the studio to hire one of its own clients, withDavid Leitchat the top of the list. If he does sign on, this won’t be the first time working withRyan Reynolds.
Before making his directorial debut alongsideChad StahelskionJohn Wickin 2014,David Leitchserved as the action coordinator onX-Men Origins: Wolverine, which introducedRyan Reynoldsas Deadpool. That depiction was the butt of a few jokes in this year’sDeadpool, which made fun of the movie for rendering the Merc With the Mouth speechless by sewing his mouth shut. Whoever signs on to direct this sequel, they will have to come to terms with the actor on the casting of one pivotal character.
Shortly afterTim Millerdropped out, reports surfaced that he left because he couldn’t see eye to eye withRyan Reynoldson the casting ofCable. The post-credits scene revealed that Cable, an iconic character from the Marvel Comics, would be featured in the sequel, butTim Millerreportedly wanted to castKyle Chandleras this character.Ryan Reynoldsand writersRhett ReeseandPaul Wernickreportedly disagreed, with speculation brewing that they wanted an older actor to play Cable, to line up with this character’s portrayal in the comics.
There was also a report thatTim Millerwanted to triple the budget of this sequel and make it a more stylized, effects-heavy movie, whileRyan Reynoldsand the writers wanted to stick more closely to the approach used in the original movie, which earned $782.6 million worldwide, from a $58 million budget. We have previously reported thatDeadpool 2is eyeing to start production in early 2017, although an official release date has not been set at this time. After the success ofJohn Wick, which he co-directed withChad Stahelski,David Leitchwent on to direct the upcoming thrillerThe Coldest City, which is set for release next year, starringCharlize TheronandJames McAvoy.
