‘Deadpool 2’: Josh Brolin cast as cybernetic warrior
After breaking box office records, Ryan Reynolds returns as “Deadpool” and this time the Merc with the Mouth’s movie is bigger and more badass than ever.
“Deadpool” debuted in February 2016 with the biggest R-rated opening of all time and went on to be the highest-grossing R-rated film in history with more than $750-million globally. “Deadpool” was also honored as the first live-action superhero movie to be nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Picture in the Comedy or Musical category, and Ryan Reynolds was also nominated as Best Actor.
Academy Award-nominated actor Josh Brolin has starred in a slate of films, ranging from “No Country For Old Men” and “Sicario,” all the way back to the now-classic “Goonies.” In “Deadpool 2,” Brolin stars as one of the most highly-anticipated screen personas in recent history: the time-traveling Cable, a warrior infected with the techno-organic virus that renders him cybernetic.
“One of the things that made “Deadpool” popular was that, while it was silly and irreverent, it also had a heart and real angst and grounded emotions,” says writer/executive producer Rhett Reese. “Wade Wilson is someone who leads a pretty tormented life and lives on the edge of society. We wanted to carry that into “Deadpool 2,” and we worked in some pretty serious, dark plots. Deadpool is still on the fringe, he hasn’t really made much of his life and he is still scrounging to get by – which is always endearing. The Cable character has also lost a great deal. He has lost his wife and daughter at the hands of a mad man, and he’s doing anything in his power, including traveling back in time, to solve that issue and bring them back. In this, there is an undercurrent of real emotion and depth that counterbalances the humor. It’s not just farce or a romp. It has real emotional underpinnings and I think the combination is where we like to live.”
“Cable is a stalwart of X-Force,” says writer/executive producer Paul Wernick. “Deadpool is the gateway into the X-Force world, and an essential part. Cable is the straight man to Deadpool’s madness. He provides an almost parallel emotional core. Despite them being very different, they’re very similar in that they’re both broken. They’ve both lost something and are in search of something. Ultimately, they find each other.”
“Josh is a treasure and one of the great actors of our generation. We’re just privileged to have him,” says Wernick. “Josh is incredible,” adds Sood. “He personifies this character that’s been a fan favorite for years. I think it’s going to be really exciting for everybody to see it on the screen. It was great for us, because we got to look at all those wonderful Cable – Deadpool stories and try to get the essence of what that relationship was and translate it to the screen. They are incredibly strong-willed personalities. Sparks fly between them. The movie is not a buddy movie in any way, but you can see the beginnings of a partnership that may yield even bigger results in the future.”
“Deadpool” creator Rob Liefeld, also created Cable. He says, “Josh Brolin could not be more perfect for the role. He’s one of the most talented actors of all space and time!” Liefeld recalls meeting Brolin on set and thinking, “I’m meeting Cable! How awesome is this!?! I dare anyone to meet one of your own creations and not get umpteen butterflies in your stomach.” To morph into the fighting machine Cable, Brolin worked out diligently for months and was also extremely disciplined in his dietary habits. He was very proud of getting into what he calls, “the best shape of my life.”
Rated R-16 by the MTRCB, “Deadpool 2” opens in Philippine cinemas on May 16 from 20th Century Fox – with early previews on May 15 starting 5:00pm at selected theaters nationwide (check cinemas near you!).
Follow 20th Century Fox (PH) on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates on Deadpool 2.
