David Leitch Says He Threw Brad Pitt Because Cable and ‘Deadpool’ Meetings Were Initially About ‘X-Force’

On May 2, 2024By Vaseline

Since he co-directed the “John Wickfranchise in 2014 and subsequently split from its partner on its own Chad Stahelski, filmmaker David Leitch is one of the most sought-after action directors in the world. Almost taking the most recent “Jurasian world‘ reboot before finally rethinking it, since ‘John Wick 1’ Leitch has had a ‘Fast and furious“spinoff,”Atomic blonde,” “Bullet train,” “Deadpool 2,” and his upcoming film “The autumn man‘that morning opens and stars Ryan Reynolds and Emily Blunt.

READ MORE: Universal Seeks New Director for Next ‘Jurassic World’ Movie After Talks with David Leitch Fail

To promote ‘The Fall Guy’ on the most recent episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Leitch was also asked about his time on the ‘Deadpool”, and in his answers, together with his producer Kelly McCormick (also his wife), the couple revealed that initially, Ryan Reynolds was looking to Leitch for a completely different film in the “Deadpool” franchise.

“The funny story is that David actually met with Ryan about creating a mutant…”X-force‘ story and their first film was about the next film and directing X-Force. McCormick revealed what an ‘X-Force’ or third ‘Deadpool’ movie means after ‘Deadpool 2’. “And it turned out to be maybe just an audition for ‘Deadpool 2,’ so by then you (Ryan) had already gotten hooked, and they fell in love with each other during this meeting, and then it’s like, ‘Oh, but ‘Deadpool 2’ is available first. Do you want to do ‘Deadpool 2 with me?’ And David says, ‘How could I not?’”

Of course, the X-Force team played a major role in ‘Deadpool 2,’ so they clearly found a way to work that into the second installment anyway.

“I was a big fan of Ryan’s first and an irreverent comedy, I love it, so I was a fan of Ryan and ‘Van Wilder,’ and I love Peak Ryan, so I love my Ryans, I guess, Leitch explained. . “So it was really great to go to comedy camp with Ryan, and I think we hopefully surprised each other without any comedic sensibilities, because it was a really great competition, and we had a blast.”

“And we would love to do more with him,” McCormick interjected, with Leitch emphasizing the same.

Asked if he was ever asked to do “Deadpool and Wolverine”, the answer was essentially no, but Leitch did note that he was cooperative Hugh Jackman on “The Wolverine,” as the second unit director, loves him and can’t wait to see the movie. “I think bringing Ryan and Hugh together is genius,” Leitch said. “We are so excited about ‘Deadpool 3,’” McCormick added.

A little tidbit towards the end: Leitch confirmed the rumor he was trying to track down Brad Pitt for the role Cable eventually went to Josh Brolin (who is not in “Deadpool and Wolverine”, but wishes he was).

“Yes, we were going to pitch Brad, Ryan and I,” Leitch admitted, “and we had concept art.” “He was intrigued,” McCormick added, “he looked just as cool as Cale, the concept art was great.”

“It’s kind of how Vanisher’s cameo came to life,” Leitch continued, referring to how Pitt is in the film, however briefly as the unseen X-Force member, but only appears for a brief second in the sequel. “Because he, like, entertained it for a while, but the schedules wouldn’t allow it, so he came in and did the cameo for fun.”

McCormick noted that Michael Shannon was actually going to be Cable for a while, but that didn’t work out; however, they got to work with him and Pitt on “Bullet train,“So they crossed both off their bucket lists.

Whether Leitch will ever return to the “Deadpool” franchise remains to be seen. Leitch is a big fan of Reynolds, but he’s also in high demand right now. And who knows, if ‘The Fall Guy’ movie becomes a franchise, it could keep him busy for years to come.

Watch the full interview below.