As we approach the impending Disney/Fox merger that will see the Mouse House gain control of Fox’s many, many film and TV assets (as well as the termination of hundreds of employees), fans of the “X-Men” franchise are in a bit of limbo. There’s “Dark Phoenix,” which despite being delayed a couple times, seems poised to see the light of day. “The New Mutants,” theoretically, should, as well (that is, unless Disney is willing to write that one off as a failed experiment). But outside of that, no one knows what the future holds, even if you’re Drew Goddard and you were signed on to write and direct a new film with Deadpool.
READ MORE: Disney-Fox Merger: What Does It Mean For The Big Film Franchises?
While doing promotion for his upcoming film, “Bad Times at the El Royale,” Goddard decided to talk a little bit about his superhero team film, “X-Force,” which is set to feature the combined efforts of Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool, Zazie Beetz’s Domino, and Josh Brolin’s Cable. Of course, that is if it gets made. With the uncertainty ahead, it doesn’t appear that even the director knows what’s going on.
Speaking to Fandango, Goddard said, “There’s no real update to be honest. I tend to focus very intensely on one movie at a time. We’re just sort of finishing ‘Bad Times’ now, Ryan [Reynolds] is off shooting a movie and everyone sort of scattered, like dandelions to the wind. I think as we finish this up, we’ll all get together and start hammering out what we want to do next, but there’s no real update at this point.”
READ MORE: ‘X-Force’ Director Talks About Team’s Introduction In ‘Deadpool 2’ And Where To Go Next
Reading between the lines, and speculating just a wee bit, you can see that Goddard is being very diplomatic and savvy with his response. Focus on ‘El Royale,’ avoid “X-Force.” But the truth is, despite tons of social media and Internet pundits pontificating about Disney’s plans for Deadpool, the X-Men, and the rest of the superhero properties Fox currently holds, the only people that can probably answer that question are the big wigs over at Disney and Fox.
Goddard remains hopeful though, saying, “I can’t imagine there’s going to be a world where there aren’t more ‘Deadpool’ movies because, boy, Ryan Reynolds is extraordinary, and so, we’ll just see.”
Yes, Mr. Goddard, we’ll just have to wait and see.