Don’t underestimate Ryan Reynolds. The actor wanted to make Deadpool a reality since 2005 or so, and after all these years it’s finally hitting theaters on February 12th. Granted, the leaked concept art had a major influence on the decision, but with the film already looking to score some serious dough, might the studio listen more closely? So when Reynolds says X-Force is his next priority, our ears perk up.

Reynolds spoke with German outlet FILMSTARTS during a Deadpool junket, during which time he was asked about the character’s inclusion in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Now, we all know that the MCU films are owned by Disney while Fox houses the X-Men and Fantastic Four franchises. After clarifying that, Reynolds said:


ryan-reynolds-x-men-wolverine
Image via 20th Century Fox

There's so much material to mine in just the X-Men universe … In the future, if we're doing a bunch more Deadpool movies, we're really going to explore the X-Men a lot. We'll see. And maybe X-Force -- X-Force is my priority. I really want to get that in.

Like Deadpool, though not quite as tumultuous, the proposed X-Force movie seems stuck in the muck of development hell. More than two years ago, just before San Diego Comic-Con, Jeff Wadlow of Kick-Ass was announced to write a script, after which concept art was posted online featuring a character line-up that included Cable. However, Fox has yet to announce an official green light for the film, which may never get off the ground.

Reynolds recently teased the possibility of including Cable in a Deadpool sequel, should the studio decide to move ahead. (How could it not? Buzz around this film has been high, and it’s already looking to rake in the bucks come opening day). If that happens, then X-Force — at least as it stands from the concept art — will have to be revamped.

The future of the X-Men franchise is still unknown beyond the already announced Gambit, New Mutants, and third Wolverine movie. So, there’s plenty of room for X-Force.

deadpool-movie-image-reynolds
Image via 20th Century Fox