The Merc With a Mouth is coming to television.
FXX and Marvel Television are officially teaming up to develop an adult-oriented Deadpool animated series, with Atlanta‘s Donald Glover on board as showrunner, along with frequent collaborator and younger brother, Stephen Glover. The as-yet-untitled TV show has landed a ten-episode season order, and it’ll hit the airwaves in 2018.
Without any casting details to report, it’s still early, early days on FXX’s Deadpool animated series, but if nothing else, today’s exciting announcement proves that Marvel’s foul-mouthed anti-hero is very much in vogue. Buoyed by the runaway success of Tim Miller’s R-rated actioner – the Deadpool of 2016 grossed a staggering $760 million worldwide – 20th Century Fox is pushing full steam ahead on a direct sequel starring Ryan Reynolds and newcomers Josh Brolin (Cable) and Zazie Beetz (Domino). It’s currently eyeing a production start late next month, and is expected to introduce three key characters of the X-Force.
Circling back to this newfound animated show, though, Eric Schrier and Nick Grad – presidents of original programming at FX Networks and FX Productions – released a joint statement that name-dropped X-Men spinoff series Legion, which has wowed critics since its blistering debut earlier in the year.
Donald Glover is an incredibly gifted and versatile artist who’ll bring the untitled Marvel’s Deadpool series to life with the same intense, singular vision as his breakout hit Atlanta. With the success of Legion, we’re looking forward to again partnering with Marvel Television to create a series that is bold, striking and entirely original.
But whereas Legion is rooted in the realm of live-action, this Deadpool offshoot will embrace its animated nature with two blood-soaked hands. Story-wise, it’s impossible to know what Glover and FX plan to rustle up, but Jeph Loeb – head honcho over at Marvel Television – has full confidence that all involved will be able to deliver a competent take on the Merc With a Mouth that stays true to the cheeky source material.
How much more fun could this be? Deadpool, Donald and FX – the perfect fit for the Merc with the Mouth! We’re thrilled that our relationship with FX that started with Legion continues with what is sure to be a groundbreaking show in adult animation.
So, there you have it; a Deadpool animated series is in the works for 2018, and it’ll be guided into production by none other than Donald Glover. As for 20th Century Fox’s anti-hero sequel, Deadpool 2 was recently penciled in for June 1st, 2018.
