We’ve known for some time now that 20th Century Fox have big plans for the X-Men franchise in 2018. It’s been a little whilst since then and though we have no news on New Mutants we do have some updates on other upcoming X-films.
First up: Deadpool 2 finally entered production this week. Star Ryan Reynolds celebrated the fact by releasing the first behind-the-scenes photo.
As with the first film Deadpool 2 is shooting in Vancouver. Reynolds will be joined in the sequel by T.J. Miller, Morena Baccarin, Brianna Hildebrand, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni and Stefan Kapičić who all reprise roles from the first film. Newcomers to the franchise include Josh Brolin as Cable and Zazie Beetz, Jack Kesy and Shioli Kutsuna. David Leitch takes over directing duties for the sequel.
X-Men: Dark Phoenix is also shaping up nicely as 20th Century Fox has confirmed that longtime writer Simon Kinberg will be heading behind the camera. Bryan Singer who has directed four of the six main X-Men movies celebrated the torch passing on his Instagram account with this photo:
Fox has also confirmed that James McAvoy (Xavier), Michael Fassbender (Magneto) and Jennifer Lawrence (Mystique) have all signed to return to the franchise. Joining them will be Nicholas Hoult (Beast) and the young cast of most recent film X-Men: Apocalypse. There are also rumours that Fox is chasing Jessica Chastain for the role of Lilandra, leader of the Shi’ar alien race which features prominently in the comics and cartoons.
Though Kinberg has acted as writer and producer on many of the 20th Century Fox Marvel properties this will be his first time working as a director… ever!
X-Men: Dark Phoenix is expected to go in to production later this year.
