There’s evidently some division occurring around the issue of whether 20th Century Fox should be open to acquisition by Disney. Some Marvel fans are greeting the idea with excitement – anticipating the prospect of the Fox X-Men properties becoming available to merge with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Not everybody thinks that it’s a good idea, though – including Deadpool creator, Rob Liefeld.
The Merc with a Mouth himself – Ryan Reynolds – has already expressed apprehension at the notion, and now the man who invented the character has weighed in with an open letter on his Instagram account:
“Dear Rupert, (Hi James, Hi Lachlan), It’s your buddy Rob. Wait on any further talks until Deadpool 2 opens and does a billion. And X-Force! This is your Star Wars franchise, and you’ve only scratched the surface. Everyone on the film side has kicked it into overdrive. Watch that portfolio grow! All the best, Rob Liefeld.”
In a comment brimming with frustration, Liefeld suggests that his character has yet to be given a fair shake at the studio, and has the potential to be so successful in its sequels and spinoffs, as to alter the commercial course of the company.
Liefeld’s confidence in Deadpool 2, and his sense of rivalry with Disney, has been heard before – most notably at the Los Angeles Comic Con, where he lamented at the choice to release Solo: A Star Wars Story the week before Deadpool 2 arrives in theatres.
“But Disney is delusional and is opening Han Solo a week before Deadpool‘ And they are going to get their asses kicked! Seven days later; mark my word, skeptical man! [points to audience member] Mark my words: Han Solo, get the hell out of the summer, ’cause seven days later, an army of mercenaries is coming to send the Falcon into hyperspace! Disney I apologize in advance, but I’m telling the truth: Deadpool is going to kick your ass.”
Indeed, it would seem that Rob Liefeld – creator of what has become one of 20th Century Fox’s hottest film properties – is entirely set against the idea of the studio selling out to Disney. To his mind, the Merc is iconic, and has ‘flagship franchise’ written all over him. Whether his sentiments will carry any weight in corporate negotiations remains to be seen – but whatever happens behind closed boardroom doors, Deadpool 2 will arrive on June 1st, 2018.
