FOX in talks with John Wick director for Deadpool 2
After the sequel to the rated R smash hit Deadpool lost Tim Miller a few days ago, it looks like FOX might have already found a replacement. Originally Miller left the project because of creative differences with star/producer Ryan Reynolds. There were rumours that Miller’s version of the sequel would cost way too much, and Reynolds wanted to keep the humble budget of the first film.
Now Mashable, is suggesting that FOX is eyeing John Wick co-director David Leitch for Deadpool 2. Mashable also suggests that FOX has a shortlist of directors they are still looking at for the film.
For the moment, let’s picture that Leitch does get the job, he would certainly not be the worst choice. Before he co-directed his critically acclaimed action flick John Wick, starring Keanu Reeves, and worked 2nd Unit Director on Captain America: Civil War. David Leitch put in the effort as a stunt man, then elevated to stunt coordinator on films such as V for Vendetta and Tron: Legacy. He then got his break as a 2nd Unit Director on The Wolverine, Anchorman 2 and Jurassic World. Huge big budget films made up of comedy and action.
So while you might think someone like Matthew Vaughn or Edgar Wright would be a solid choice, David Leitch has definitely proven his worth; he’s directed his first solo film starring Charlize Theron called The Coldest City, a spy/thriller. We think it’ll be good to see FOX give a chance on a film such as Deadpool 2, that’s if they don’t get their hands too dirty, as they did with Josh Trank’s Fantastic Four.
Even for Tim Miller, Deadpool was a risk. Miller had never directed a live-action film and was predominantly a VFX director and had worked on opening sequences of films.
Deadpool 2 will see Ryan Reynolds returning as the merc with the mouth, with the same creative influence he had on the first film. Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick penned the screenplay, as they did the first film.
Deadpool 2 is scheduled for release January 2018.