Of all of the Marvel movies releasing over the past few years, many people were surprised to see thatDeadpoolbecame one of the most successful. Not only did the superhero comedy film become the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time, but it also popularized one of Marvel’s best characters, who until then was not much more than an inside-joke for Marvel Comics fans.
Following the rise in popularity of the Merc with the Mouth, FX announced last year that they would be creating an adult-oriented, animated Deadpool TV series. Atlanta showrunner and star Donald Glover was set tohelm the series, along with his brother Stephen Glover. Over the last year, the Glover brothers have been hard at work with FX to develop the best series they could. Unfortunately, it would appear that their hard work has all gone to waste.
Over the weekend, FX announced in a statement the cancellation of the show, which was set to premiere later this year.
“Due to creative differences, FX,Donald Glover, Stephen Glover and Marvel Television have agreed to part ways on Marvel’s Deadpool animated series,” FX said in their statement. “FX will no longer be involved with the project. FX and Marvel have an ongoing relationship through our partnership onLegion, which will continue.”
This is bad news for everyone who washeavily anticipating the release of this show, including myself. Deadpool occasionally appeared in theUltimate Spider-ManTV series, and he frankly was the best part of the show, despite being limited to the TV-Y7 rating. Seeing Deadpoolreturn to animated TV, but under TV-MA guidelines, would’ve been a true delight for all of the character’s many fans.
In hindsight, it shouldn’t be too surprising that theproject fell apart. Showrunner Donald Glover likely didn’t have enough time to focus on the project over the past year, considering his significant role inSolo: A Star Wars Story, which about doubled its production time, and his leading role for next year’sThe Lion Kingreboot. With so much on his plate,Deadpoolwas probably not the highest of priorities, which is why the series kicked the bucket.
Looking forward, the possibilities of aDeadpoolanimated series are not completely over. While FX has stopped active development of the series, it is possible they could still bring it back if a more fitting showrunner is discovered. Furthermore, when and if the Disney / FOX deal is brought to a close, Disney and Marvel Television may wish to further the series' development, with or without the Glover brothers.
WithDeadpool 2on the near horizon, and hopefully moreDeadpool-related entities set to follow, there will still be plenty of Wade Wilson to go around, despite the show’s sudden downfall. Additionally, ifDeadpool 2is anywhere near as successful as the original film,FXmay realize how cost-effective it would be to revamp their developed plans for the series and get back to work on delivering the animated show. However, it is best not to get our hopes up, as the possibilities of an animatedDeadpoolseries have become significantly less likely.
