When Deadpool director Tim Miller announced earlier this week that he was leaving the production of the highly-anticipated sequel, more than a few eyebrows were raised. It was a bolt from out of the blue. The narrative around the release of the first film was how Miller and star Ryan Reynolds were the forces that championed Deadpool. For years. It seemed like they got the film made almost through sheer force of will.
Reports are now starting to circulate, however, that Miller and Reynolds' relationship has actually been contentious for quite a while. It's rumored the two men have hardly spoken since the release of the first film earlier this year. The Wrap is reporting that they suffered from the dreaded 'creative differences' that have derailed many productions over the years. Miller apparently wanted the sequel to be more visually stylized, whereas Reynolds wanted to push the raunchy comedy further.
More Details on Deadpool Split
Miller is also said to have been pushing for the casting of Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights, Bloodline) as the time-travelling mutant badass, Cable. Reynolds wasn't so keen. He has reportedly ensured creative control and casting approval in his contract this time. Could this be what led to Miller walking off a project, as he realized what was being taken out of his hands?
It looks like Fox aren't wasting any time in finding a new director, though. Mashable is reporting the studio is interested in John Wick co-director David Leitch. No formal offer has been made and other candidates are in the frame. But Leitch sounds like a good choice to us.
He is currently in post-production on his second directorial effort, The Coldest City. It is a cold war era spy story based on the graphic novel by Antony Johnston and Sam Hart. Charlize Theron, James McAvoy, John Goodman and Sofia Boutella make up its impressive cast. It would certainly increase Leitch's standing in Hollywood if it is a hit.
Leitch also has some experience working with Fox (and Ryan Reynolds) in the past, as well. He was stunt coordinator on X-Men Origins: Wolverine. This was, of course, when the world was first introduced to Fox's intial (godawful) version of the Deadpool character.
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