Filmmaker David Leitch is currently doing the rounds to promote his new movie, Bullet Train (you can find a roundup of reviews by clicking here). After helming John Wick, the director parted ways with Chad Stahelski and went on to take charge of movies like Atomic Blonde, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, and Deadpool 2.
Uproxx took the opportunity to ask why Leitch isn't involved with Marvel Studios' Deadpool 3 - which has tapped Free Guy's Shawn Levy to direct - and he put it down to scheduling issues.
"It’s probably more of what I’m doing and some circumstance. I love all of those worlds, and they’re all precious to me," he explained. "Starting with John Wick. Chad has taken over that franchise and executed it beautifully. And Deadpool is amazing. And Atomic Blonde, I would love to go back."
"When I look back, I would love to go back to those worlds, but I think the way it’s worked out for me, or fate has brought me to this place, is that I get new opportunities and they’re really awesome, interesting, as well."
"Look, we had conversations about Deadpool 3, but I just was...I had things in the pipeline, too. And it was never, 'Hey, do you want to do it or not want to do it?' or whatever," Leitch continued. "I think it was more we knew our dance cards were kind of full on both sides. And we have a window. And Marvel has calendars."
Deadpool 2 wasn't quite as warmly received as its predecessor, but received positive reviews and was a box office hit. Bringing Leitch back likely would have been welcomed by fans, but a fresh start also makes sense now the Merc with the Mouth is joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Ryan Reynolds clearly enjoyed working with Levy on Free Guy, and that movie was a hit in theaters and on Disney+. Needless to say, Marvel Studios has to be hoping they can recapture that same magic for what looks set to be the first R-Rated MCU movie.
Deadpool 3 doesn't currently have a release date.