Reynolds to star in 'X-Men' spinoff

Fox has begun development on 'Deadpool'

By MICHAEL FLEMING

Fox’s 'X-Men' spinoff 'Deadpool' will be a star vehicle for Ryan Reynolds, who played the character in 'Wolverine.'

Twentieth Century Fox has begun development on "Deadpool," an "X-Men" spinoff that will be crafted as a star vehicle for Ryan Reynolds, who played the character in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine."

The character is one of the most popular in Marvel Comics' X-Men universe. Deadpool is Wade Wilson, a mercenary who, dying of cancer, submits himself to the Weapon X genetic alteration experiment and emerges as an indestructible semi-sane anti-hero. Reynolds seemed destined to play the character. In one reference in the Marvel Comics, Deadpool is described as a mix between "a Shar Pei and Ryan Reynolds."

In one of the "Easter egg" endings of "Wolverine," Deadpool is seen rising from the rubble and whispering "Shhh" to audiences.

The film will be produced by Lauren Shuler Donner and Marvel.

Fox is also in the formative stages of a "Wolverine" sequel that will encompass the samurai storyline that was hinted at as Wolverine sat in a bar in Japan as the film concluded (Daily Variety, May 4).

Separately, Fox is developing "Magneto," a film about the X-Men villain with a script by Sheldon Turner, and "X-Men: First Class," which Josh Schwartz is penning.

Reynolds next stars with Sandra Bullock in the Anne Fletcher-directed "The Proposal," which Disney releases June 19. He also completed the Kieran and Michele Mulroney-directed "Paper Man."