A report by Variety states that the "X-Men" spin-off film "Deadpool" is confirmed to hit theaters on Feb. 12, 2016. The titular character will once again be played by Ryan Reynolds although it will have no connection to the events that occurred in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine."
"Deadpool" has been in development since 2004 when David S. Goyer was still set to direct. The character did make an appearance in the 2009 "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" flick but no solo film has yet been released. In 2012, Blur Studio and Reynolds developed visual test footage for the film as a proof of concept, and this was later released to the public on July 29, 2014.
Following the release of the footage, producer Simon Kinberg confirmed the film was going to be made, and it would be a part of the "X-Men" cinematic universe, followed by the announcement via Twitter that visual effects specialist Tim Miller had signed on to direct. Writing duties have been filled by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick.
Actor T.J. Miller also announced via Twitter that he would be portraying the character Weasel, Deadpool's arms dealer and assistant. Gina Carano, Morena Baccarin, and Ed Skrein are all set to make appearances in the film as well.
The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Baccarin would be playing the female lead. She announced via Twitter that she would be playing Vanessa Carlysle, a mutant capable of shape-shifting as well as being Deadpool's love interest.
Colossus, from the "X-Men" films, is set to appear in the movie but Daniel Cudmoore announced on Twitter that he would not be portraying the mutant and that the role would be recast for someone younger. Cudmoore played Colossus in "X2: X-Men United" and "X-Men 3: The Last Stand."
"Deadpool" would be Reynolds' first return as a superhero on the big screen following the financial flop of 2011's "Green Lantern."
