20th Century Fox moves its subversive hero to blockbuster season
Matt Donnelly | April 22, 2017 @ 10:21 AM
Last Updated: April 22, 2017 @ 11:23 AM
"Deadpool"
20th Century Fox has moved its prized Marvel franchise “Deadpool” into the summer spotlight.
On Saturday, the studio officially set the film for a June 1, 2018 release. The Ryan Reynolds series has become top priority — and a top earner — as Stacey Snider’s era as studio head begins.
The first “Deadpool” made over $780 million worldwide, and put Reynolds back on the map as a formidable comedic and action star.
Last week, it was announced that Josh Brolin would play the coveted role of Cable, which came with a four-picture deal. The role had been hotly sought after following the original’s explosive success. Zazie Beetz (“Atlanta”) also joins the sequel in the coveted role of Domino.
“John Wick” co-director David Leitch will direct “Deadpool 2,” which is due to begin filming this summer.
Most of the cast of the first “Deadpool” is expected to return, with screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick confirming Colossus (Stefan Kapcic) and Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand) would reappear. Vanessa (Morena Baccarin), Weasel (T.J. Miller), and “Blind” Al (Leslie Uggams) are expected to return as well.
12 Most Badass Superhero Scenes of 2016, From 'Deadpool' to 'Doctor Strange' (Photos)
This year we met Wonder Woman and The Flash, saw a big fight at the airport, and laughed at everything Deadpool said. Here are the year's best superhero scenes.
Wonder Woman's silver screen debut in "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" when she appeared to fight Doomsday at a key moment of the film electrified audiences.
Warner Bros.
The warehouse fight/Martha rescue scene in "Batman v Superman" featured Batman at his most ruthless and cemented Ben Affleck as the definitive onscreen Caped Crusader.
Warner Bros.
The airport battle scene in "Captain America: Civil War" delivered the first appearances of both Giant Man and Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and is perhaps the best scene in a superhero movie this year.
Marvel Studios
Black Panther chasing the Winter Soldier in "Captain America: Civil War" can perhaps be called the most thrilling chase scene of the year, rivaling even the classic subway chase in "The French Connection."
Marvel Studios
Jean Grey unleashing the power of the Phoenix in "X-Men: Apocalypse" and screaming as she tears villain Apocalypse apart was a surprise highlight of the film and set up perhaps one of the most famous X-Men story lines -- "Dark Phoenix Saga" -- for future films.
20th Century Fox
Quicksilver rescuing scores of students including some goldfish and a dog from a deadly blast in "X-Men: Apocalypse" all while he is listening to "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics was definitely one of the movie's most memorable scenes.
20th Century Fox
The undestruction of Hong Kong at the climax of "Doctor Strange" took a common trope in Superhero Movies -- destruction of major cities -- and flipped it into a refreshing resolution for audiences.
Marvel Studios
The Cloak of Levitation revealing it has a life of it's own and coming to the Doctor’s rescue at the Sanctum Santorum in "Doctor Strange" provided unexpected comic relief.
Marvel Studios
The debut of Ezra Miller's "The Flash" in a flashback sequence in "Suicide Squad" gave audiences their first look at the Scarlet Speedster in his full costume.
Warner Bros.
The "Suicide Squad" sitting in a bar -- giving audiences a backstory on some of the members of the team --delivered in the drama department.
Warner Bros.
The opening credits of "Deadpool" was full of self-aware humor, starring “a hot chick,” a “British villain” and “the comic relief,” among many other hilarious references set to “Angel of the Morning” by Juice Newton.
20th Century Fox
Wade Wilson uttering "you’re about to be killed by a Zamboni" in "Deadpool" to a bad guy on an ice rink left audiences in stitches and was just another stroke of brilliance by the filmmakers.
Could anyone beat “Deadpool” for the best superhero scenes this year? Here’s our list
This year we met Wonder Woman and The Flash, saw a big fight at the airport, and laughed at everything Deadpool said. Here are the year's best superhero scenes.