'Deadpool' Movie Casting Rumors, News: Actor Ryan Reynolds Slated for the Film's Lead Role
Earlier this October, 20th Century Fox officially announced that the "Deadpool" stand-alone movie was given the green light for a Feb. 12, 2016 release.
The director will be first-time filmmaker Tim Miller. The story will be based on the script written by Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese, according to Comic Book.
What was missing in the details is who will take up the lead role as Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool. Now there are rumors that Ryan Reynolds will wear the red and black mask.
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It has long been speculated that the 38-year-old "Green Lantern" star will return to take on the spot after he appeared as the character in the 2009 "X-Men: Origins" movie. Deadpool creator Rob Liefeld has gone on record to say that there's no other actor to take up the role except Reynolds, according to Cinema Blend.
Speaking during the Comikaze 2014 expo at Los Angeles, Comic Book reported that he was asked "directly" on the subject of "Reynolds as Deadpool" in the "Deadpool" movie.
"Ryan is Deadpool. Look, Ryan Reynolds, he's gone through that same career arc, the guy is ridiculously talented. He has a huge, huge passion for Deadpool," the 47-year-old comic book veteran said. "Deadpool's not happening, because he was a giant star, they said, 'Ryan, what do you want to do?' And he said, 'Deadpool.' That's why it happened."
"They would have no faith otherwise. That movie is because of his passion. He put together the team," he added.
As for the leaked test footage that came out this year, Liefeld appeared far from being annoyed. In fact, he was quite positive about it.
"[G]od bless whoever leaked that," he said. "Whoever leaked it and goes to jail, we need to cheer them."
The teaser showed Reynolds as the titular character in action. It received glowing praise from fans.
