Deadpool was inarguably one of the biggest genuine surprises and successes of the year in 2016, and because of that, there's been an understandably high amount of attention being paid to the sequel's creative development process so far. Whether it be which characters will or will not be introduced in it, or even Tim Miller's highly talked about departure from the film, it seems like the questions about Deadpool 2 haven't stopped since the film was first announced.

With Deadpool breaking all expectations and receiving multiple different awards and guild nominations over the past few weeks, conversation and speculation surrounding the sequel has only increased as of late. One of the most notable questions about the film at this point seems to be how Wade Wilson will remain the sequel's sole focus, even with major characters like Cable confirmed to be appearing in it.

During a recent interview with Deadline about the film's surprising awards attention, writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick talked briefly about where they're at in the writing process for the sequel, and how they're planning on keeping it Deadpool's film, even with "a lot of characters" being introduced and playing large roles in it:

"Yeah, it’ll be a solo movie. It’ll be populated with a lot of characters, but it is still Deadpool’s movie, this next one. We’re pushing forward very hard. I think by every account we will shoot it this year, and we’re on our multiple draft now. It’s taken different twists and turns, but it’s really coalescing, and we’re very, very excited. We’re a little nervous, because now we feel like we have to live up to the first movie, but at the same time, we have to have faith, and we have an extreme passion still, and as long as we have passion still, and it’s not a mercenary, venal play, which we don’t think this is, I think we’ll be in good shape."

Everyone involved in the film, Reese and Wernick included, have been quick to assure fans that the sequel won't be wildly different from its predecessor, which is understandable considering how hard it is for most blockbuster franchises to maintain a certain level of quality once they find popular success and multiple different voices become involved in the creative process. However, with Deadpool, which was a film that succeeded mostly because of its creative freedom and budgetary constraints, there seems to be an extra level of precaution coming from the filmmakers this time around.

Both Reese and Wernick's voices were instrumental in the original film's difficult tonal balance, evidenced by the fact they were the only key creative team members to be praised in the film's mock opening credits. Their continued involvement in the sequel has been one of its most reassuring factors, especially following reports of creative differences between star Ryan Reynolds and Miller, which may have led to the latter's unexpected departure. Luckily, with John Wick co-director David Leitch onboard as Miller's replacement, it seems like the sequel has everything going for it that it needs to maintain the same tone and unique feel of its predecessor, even with a whole lot of new and returning characters likely ready and willing to vie for Wade Wilson's spotlight.

Source: Deadline