Deadpool 2 to begin filming early next year?

Deadpool's tremendous box office takings and critical acclaim made it clear that we'd be seeing more of the Merc with a Mouth. Deadpool 2 received the official go-ahead back in April, with Ryan Reynolds, director Tim Miller and writers Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese all returning to deliver more R-rated, fourth-wall-breaking shenanigans. Also set to reprise his producer duties is Simon Kinberg who says the development process is moving along nicely, offering a glimpse into the movie's timeline. 

“The guys, Wernick and Rhett, are working on the script, and we hope to have the script very soon,” Kinberg told Collider during a red carpet interview before the Saturn Awards. “We hope to shoot the movie some time at the beginning of next year.”  

The first film completely shattered expectations, proving that a lesser-known comic book character could survive a brutal first impression (ahem, Wolverine prequel) and go on to become one of the highest-grossing R-rated movies of all time. It's stands to reason that the sequel will be a continuation of that.  

While story details are at a minimum right now - you know, as they're still writing the thing - Deadpool himself confirmed a fan-favorite character for the sequel in a post-credits scene. His sidekick in part two will be Cable. That leaves the door open for a ton of potential plots as the pair are frenemies in the comics, starring side-by-side over numerous titles. As for who will play Cable? That's the big casting mystery at the moment. But we've got some suggestions until an official announcement is made. 

Images: 20th Century Fox