Deadpool 2 Is Under Way Ahead of First Film’s Release
According to The Hollywood Reporter, it looks like a sequel for Deadpool, which is still yet to be released in theaters, is already under way at 20th Century Fox. While it’s not uncommon for sequels to get greenlit or announced before a film’s release, sometimes it can be a bit of a publicity stunt or a bait-and-switch. Case in point, 20th Century Fox announced a sequel to the 2015 Fantastic Four movie before the film even came out. It then was released last August and bombed at the box office and with critics. That sequel that Fox announced a release date for? It was just taken off the studio’s release schedule.
Deadpool is currently riding a high wave of positive buzz. So it makes sense that Fox wants to capitalize on that buzz and get a sequel rolling already. The film is currently sitting on a pretty high Rotten Tomatoes score at the moment with 82 percent. In addition, the film is expected to have a big opening for the upcoming holiday weekend. The film is projected to open to about $65-70 million.
Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick are reportedly attached to write the script for the next film. The first film’s director, Tim Miller, is not yet signed for a second helping of Deadpool, but Fox apparently wants to keep him on board the franchise to direct the sequel. Miller makes his feature directorial debut with the film. Of course, Ryan Reynolds is expected to return as the Merc With a Mouth, Wade Wilson aka Deadpool.
After many years of waiting, Deadpool finally hits theaters on Friday (Feb. 12). The film is rated R.