Deadpool has long been one of the most popular Marvel Comics characters, and the love from fans only grew with his big-screen debut in 2016. The first Deadpool film was unlike anything that had been produced since the superhero genre exploded in 2000, with Wade Wilson's origin story being a blood-soaked, fourth-wall-breaking, action-comedy. Deadpool was not only brought to life on-camera by Ryan Reynolds, but the actor had a significant role in putting the film together behind the scenes as well. At a recent advertising event in France, Reynolds looked back on getting Deadpool off the ground:

"I spent ten years trying to get Deadpool made - it was hell. We shot some test footage, some absolute bastard leaked it onto the internet, and that's what got the movie made. The studio never really believed in it so they gave us absolutely nothing compared with other comic book movies. We had to make every dollar feel like ten."

Deadpool had a production budget of around $58 million, and ended up making more than $780 million worldwide by the end of its theatrical run. Despite the initial reservations from 20th Century Fox, Deadpool was a smash hit that quickly earned a sequel just two years later. Deadpool 2 was even more successful than its predecessor, making more than $786 million worldwide to become the highest-grossing film in the extended X-Men franchise. Another follow-up was greenlit, but it's still in development as the character's rights have shifted to a different studio.

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Deadpool 3 Remains in Development With No Release Date in Sight

The third film in the Deadpool franchise will be under the Disney banner, which is seemingly the main reason for its delay. Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox pushed back the process of putting Deadpool 3 together, and there's no timetable for when the film will be hitting theaters. What's most exciting about Deadpool 3 is that it will be set in the MCU, leading to questions on whether the franchise will keep the same R-rated tone it's known for. Despite any perceived difficulties, writer Rhett Reese said in a recent interview with The Playlist that Deadpool 3's development has been going very smoothly:

"We were used to doing things our way, so there are differences, but I think the great part is that Marvel's been incredibly supportive. They are gonna let Deadpool be Deadpool. It's not like any particular joke may be the one that they say, 'you know, that's too far,' that could happen, but to this point, it's been nothing but support."

Deadpool 3 is being directed by Shawn Levy, who is reuniting with Reynolds after their previous team-ups in Free Guy and The Adam Project. Aside from Reynolds, no other casting information is known, and the film's plot details are also being kept under wraps. As far as a release window, the Marvel schedule is filled through July 2023, which means if production doesn't start this year, Deadpool 3 won't be hitting theaters until 2024 at the earliest. It's still going to be a little while before Wade Wilson's return, but it's going to be exciting to see how Deadpool is integrated into the wider MCU.