Deadpool Might be in Dev Limbo

This is most likely the news that no Marvel fan wants to hear. Although 20th Century Fox has yet to release any type of statement about the upcoming Deadpool movie, the Merc with the Mouth film adaption may be in developmental limbo. Former VFX wiz and Deadpool director, Tim Miller has been tapped to helm Fox's Artemis. No this won't be an Artemis Fowl series adaption (thankfully... because that would mean the Deadpool film would probably be dead), but rather a sci-fi action thriller set in deep space (think Lockout). Again, no official statement has been released concerning Deadpool, but it looks like Artemis will be a project that Miller focuses on first.

Well, bummer. Since Fox chose Miller to direct the untitled Deadpool film, there has been virtually zero news about it. Ergo a delay in production is really no surprise. Nonetheless, this is a pretty big disappointment, especially because many were under the impression that all it needed was the green light from Fox. Miller was the studio's third choice as director, as Robert Rodriguez and Swedish commercial director Adam Berg turned down the director's chair. While it is a bit surprising that Fox decided to use Miller for a big named, big budgeted film, he could very well be the right man for the job. He has worked has on the visual effects for Planet of the Apes, X-Men, and X-Men 2, and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. 

The movie already has Zombieland writers, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, on the project, and Ryan Reynolds eagerly awaiting to wield a whole assortment of weaponry. Sure the version of Reynolds' Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine was absolutely nothing like the Deadpool in the comic books, Reynolds was an awesome Wade Wilson. He brought the right amount of sass and attitude to the role in an otherwise dismal movie.

Reynolds also noted before that he read early drafts of the script, and he really expects it to be a different type of superhero movie that people will love. For those unfamiliar with the character of Deadpool, this is a good thing because Deadpool is far from the traditional superhero (or in his case, super-anti-hero). Reynolds also confirmed that the Merc with the Mouth will indeed break the fourth wall in the film as he does in the comics. Miller has also expressed interest in making it dark and gory, pushing the rating to an R-rating.

Hopefully, Domino makes an appearance.
And Cable.
And Psylocke.
Heck, just make an Uncanny X-Men film.

This complicates the project even further, as studios are no doubt hesitant to drop top dollars on R-rated movies. For example, R-rated superhero flick, Watchmen, while making a decent box office draw, was not the blockbuster Warner Bros. had hoped. This is may be one of the reasons Fox is dragging their feet when it comes to the Deadpool flick. I mean, Watchmen was cited as one of the reasons it killed a potential Bioshock movie.

That being said, in this MTV interview, Hugh Jackman hinted the possibility of an R-rated Wolverine. The interview also pointed out that the recent Nolan Batman franchise really pushed the envelope when it comes to the PG-13 rating.

With the news that Artemis will use Miller as director, and the fact that Ryan Reynolds may end up being too busy with a potential Justice League movie and a Green Lantern reboot sequel, the silence from 20th Century Fox does not bode well for Deadpool.

Have no fear, Deadpool fans, while you're busy crying over the loss, you can vent your frustration by creating copious amounts of carnage playing the upcoming Deadpool video game. If this video game sells well (which I remain skeptical), it may entice Fox to move forward with a movie project. If the game fails, well, the Deadpool project may be moved from Limbo to the 9th Circle.

Those unfamiliar with the character, check out this fan made film below (Mature Audiences Only):