The unexpected departure of Deadpool director Tim Miller from the film’s highly anticipated sequel has sparked a wave of speculation — and it appears there’s more to the story than early reports suggested.
Initial rumors pointed to a clash between Miller and star Ryan Reynolds over casting the time-traveling mutant Cable. But according to a new report, the rift may have run much deeper, stemming from fundamental creative differences about the direction of Deadpool 2.
Sources close to the production revealed that Miller was aiming for a much larger-scale film, with a significantly increased budget and visual polish — something more in line with traditional superhero blockbusters. In contrast, Reynolds, along with screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, wanted to preserve the grounded, irreverent tone and modest budget that helped make the first film such a breakout hit.
“There were two totally different movies on the table,” one insider told The Wrap. “And one of them just wasn’t Deadpool.”
Reportedly, Miller’s vision would have cost nearly three times the original film’s $58 million budget. Given that Deadpool went on to gross over $780 million worldwide, Reynolds and the writers were understandably cautious about straying from the formula that resonated so strongly with fans.
The tension may have also extended to casting decisions. Another unconfirmed report claims Miller was pushing for Friday Night Lights actor Kyle Chandler to play Cable, a choice Reynolds allegedly disagreed with. It remains unclear who Reynolds is favoring for the role, but with Miller now off the project, that decision may shift more firmly into the actor’s hands.
While Deadpool 2 currently has no release date, fans can expect the search for a new director to begin immediately. Despite the shake-up, the creative team’s commitment to maintaining the tone and success of the original gives reason to remain optimistic.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.