It seemed to take an age for those behind Deadpool 2 to confirm their casting choice for the role of Cable – giving rise to numerous, persistent rumours, involving everyone from Kyle Chandler to Brad Pitt. When the announcement finally arrived, though, it made perfect sense – Cable would be played by Academy Award nominee Josh Brolin. Despite also starring in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as space-based supervillain Thanos, Brolin has clearly embraced his role as Deadpool’s partner-in-mercenary-adventures with gusto.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly in a recent interview, the actor reflected upon his experience working with Ryan Reynolds, who produces and stars in the movie as the titular anti-hero.
“He’s an amazing guy, very smart and really sweet — and really handsome. He’s a smart guy, he’s the one who saw this and tried to get this movie made for eight years and was unable to. I think he has such a perfect sensibility. He’s a great producer on it, there’s a lot to trust there.”
Brolin is a producer himself, having delivered his own short film and a number of documentary projects to the screen. He also takes producing duties on the upcoming narrative film George And Tammy, in which he stars with Jessica Chastain. This being the case, he can undoubtedly relate to the pressures involved in helping to craft a project from both behind the camera, and in front of it.
The character of Cable is a notable comic book icon in his own right, specifically being a part of the X-Men universe, under the Marvel comics banner. He’s the biological son of Cyclops and Madelyne Pryor (who was cloned from Jean Grey), but was transported into the future as an infant and returned as an adult having become a formidable warrior and mercenary. The character had a solo comic book series, before being paired with Deadpool in what became a very popular comic book run featuring an excellent ‘buddy team’ of superheroes.
This is why the dynamic between Deadpool and Cable in the upcoming sequel will be crucial to the success of the film – and Brolin further expanded on his comments to hint at the basis of that relationship. In a production that has so far been beset by problems and tragedy, Brolin suggests that he and Reynolds are working hard together at the centre of the action to bring stability to the situation.
“We had that tragedy happen recently, which was awful. We’re all still reeling from that, but other than that it’s been great. I think both of us are good at creating a set of trust and fun.”
The tragedy to which he refers is the death of stuntwoman Joi Harris, who lost her life while performing a stunt for the role of Domino, played by Zazie Beetz. Earlier in the pre-production process, director of Deadpool – Tim Miller – left the project due to ‘creative differences,’ and filmmaker David Leitch (Atomic Blonde) subsequently took the helm of Deadpool 2. With production buffeted by such difficulties, it’s clear from these comments by Josh Brolin that his partnership with Ryan Reynolds is as significant as that between Deadpool and Cable – which can only be to the benefit of the movie.
Deadpool 2 is due to be released on June 1st, 2018.
