After Tim Miller’s surprising departure from Deadpool 2 over what is said to be creative differences, many names were thrown around as to who fans would like to see take the director’s chair. Deadpool fans need longer no wonder as The Hollywood Reporter has announced John Wick co-director David Leitch has now signed on for the Merc with a Mouth’s sequel.
Leitch had been rumoured for the role soon after Miller left the project and Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds reportedly met with Leitch in New York to court him to the project. Leitch was offered the job soon after, but while he is signed for Deadpool 2, 20th Century Fox is already searching for a director for Deadpool 3 as they prep to get that film in production shortly after Deadpool 2 is released. The sequel is expected to feature X-Men characters Cable and Domino while its rumoured Deadpool 3 will focus more heavily on a complete X-Force team.
Before directing, Leitch spent years as a stunt coordinator and second unit director before making his directorial debut with John Wick, co-directing with Chad Stahleski and starring Keanu Reeves as a deadly assassin. John Wick became a surprise hit, earning $86 million off a $20 million budget, and is known for some stand-out action sequences and revitalizing Reeves’ career.
SEE ALSO: Ryan Reynolds comments on Tim Miller’s Deadpool 2 departure over creative differences
Leitch is currently working on The Coldest City, a Cold War thriller starring Charlize Theron and James McAvoy, while Stahleski is in post-production for John Wick: Chapter 2, set for release on February 10, 2017.
Originally published November 19, 2016. Updated April 16, 2018.
