The Marvel Cinematic Universe is in a fascinating place right now. It's an interim year between Phases Three and Four, with Marvel Studios staying out of theaters until Black Widow in May 2020. The studio recently rolled out its initial schedule for Phase Four, which includes a mixture of movies and small screen adventures for Disney+. But a few properties were noticeably missing, including Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool franchise.
When Disney acquired 20th Century Fox, that included the rights to the highly successful Deadpool movies. But the House of Mouse hasn't revealed its plans for the Merc with a Mouth, and it seems like everyone in in the dark regarding if/when Wade Wilson would join the MCU. This includes Deadpool 2 director David Leitch, who is still feeling hopeful regarding the franchise's fate. As he recently put it:
I know Marvel announced their slate and I think people were like, ‘Deadpool’s not on it.’ I would never say never. And I think, obviously, he’s such a beloved character and it’s such a compelling world people want to go back. And I think they will find a way to do it. But I’m just being patient and let everybody take a breath and see how it works for them in the new Marvel, Disney world. And, hopefully, I’ll get the call. And that would be cool.'
Well, that's somewhat relieving. While it's currently unclear if/when Deadpool 2 and X-Force might head to theaters, David Leitch doesn't seem especially concerned about it. He's got faith that the R-rated franchise is coming. We just don't know exactly when that might be.
David Leitch's comments to Uproxx might give Deadpool fans some relief, as Disney has been noticeably quiet regarding the hero's future after that merger with Fox. The first pair of Deadpool movies made a ton of money at the box office, in addition to being critical success. This is an asset that Disney is going to want to take advantage of, furthering profits in the process.
Related: Chris Pratt Is Just As Psyched About Marvel’s Phase 4 Reveal As The Rest Of Us
But exactly how and when the Deadpool franchise will continue on is a mystery. As mentioned before, neither the threequel nor the spinoff were given release dates on the Phase Four calendar. Furthermore, it's unclear if Ryan Reynolds' foul mouthed character would actually join the behemoth shared universe, or simply exist on its own plane.
Fans are hoping for the former to be true, with the Merc with a Mouth finally crossing over into the MCU, and interacting with the various characters he's referenced throughout the years. His penchant for narration and fourth wall breaking would allow his introduction to be self-aware, with Marvel Studios able to poke fun at itself.
Then again, Deadpool movies are rated R, and his penchant for cursing and violence might not fit with the rest of the MCU. There's certainly a lot to consider, which is likely why the franchise's fate is still in the air.
CinemaBlend will keep you updated on all things Marvel and Deadpool. In the meantime, check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
