Superstar producer Lauren Shuler Donner is planning her future projects after the release of her latest effort X-Men Origins: Wolverine. I guess that working on the Wolverine film has given her a new found appreciation for mutants and X-Men related characters, as she recently stated that she is tentatively planning a couple of Wolverine “spin-off” films. Those projects are for fan favorite mutant Gambit and cult comic anti-hero Deadpool. Nothing is set in stone now, obviously things change frequently in this business. But I’ve heard that Shuler Donner is a powerful woman, and that she gets what she wants. Good news for all you Gambit fans, and great news for Deadpool fans like me. In an exclusive interview with the IESB, she talked about her plans for future projects. Follow the link to check out video of the interview. I’ll give you some of the highlights
She stated that there are “internal discussions” about a Gambit spin-off, and that they are still working that out. Bryan Singer’s name was thrown out as a potential director, one who already has mutant experience after working on the first two X-Men films. Her response: “Nothing would please me more than to bring Bryan [Singer] on for another movie. And, if it’s like the first Deadpool or the first Gambit, I think, I mean, I hope he would be interested…” Nothing would excite me more than hearing that Singer was tapped to direct a Deadpool film. The guy did an amazing job on the first two X-Men films. Deadpool or Gambit, it wouldn’t matter which, he’d do a great job for both potential franchises.
A big chunk of the conversation revolve around Gambit, and that should be no surprise to comic geeks or those with an extreme appreciation of mutants. We all know that Gambit gained massive popularity as a result of his being on the X-Men animated series from the 90’s. He didn’t start out as a strong comic book character, but fans fell in love with him on tv and apparently still wish to see him on the big screen. It’s an interesting character, and it would make for a great film, if done properly of course. Everyone knows I’m a huge Deadpool fan. I’ll surprise most of you and not go into what should be done with a Deadpool film, aside from what was already said. I’ll probably have more to say about it after seeing how they handle Wade Wilson in the upcoming Wolverine film. I guess that should apply to Gambit too.
Shuler Donner clearly wants to see both characters get their own franchises, as there is a strong fan following and plenty of story telling possibilities. Who knows when or if these films will get made. It may never happen. But the fact that there are discussions about both characters should serve as a reason for fans to be excited about the future. As always, if news develops I’ll keep you all posted.