The cast of Deadpool 2 continues to expand with the addition of Shiori Kutsuna in a key role. While Deadpool has long had a fervent fan following and has proven to be one of Marvel's most popular characters in the comics, few could have guessed his first live-action film would do so well. After years stuck in development hell, the Merc with a Mouth finally hit theaters last year. From there, the modestly budgeted anti-hero would go on to become the highest earning R-rated film of all time, guaranteeing the franchise's future success.
Like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 before it, next year's Deadpool 2 will benefit from even more name recognition and a film audience eager to enjoy another action romp with the deranged mutant. The new film will not only feature the return of many of the characters from the first movie, but a growing number of new additions. Aside from Josh Brolin as Cable and Zazie Beetz as Domino, we've also heard rumors that a number of other X-Force characters could appear in the film. Then there's Jack Kesy, who recently boarded the production as the film's mysterious villain.
As reported by Deadline, we can add another name to the cast list. Though the role is yet unknown, Shiori Kutsuna will be joining Deadpool 2 in what's said to be a key part. Best known for her work in indie films and several Japanese productions, Kutsuna could be playing any number of new characters or someone culled from the pages of Marvel Comics.
With the news that X-Force characters may appear in Deadpool 2, Kutsuna could be tackling the role of Psylocke. Though the character has a complicated backstory in the comics, she's born Elizabeth 'Betsy' Braddock, the sister of Captain Britain. A mutant with powerful psionic and telepathic abilities, her mind eventually winds up in the body of a Japanese martial artist. From there, she serves as a X-Men, assassin, and all-around powerful warrior in the Marvel universe.
Of course, the one potential issue with this theoretical casting is that Olivia Munn previously played this role in X-Men: Apocalypse. Still, Fox has been notoriously wonky with the film's timeline and has recast many roles. Furthermore, Apocalypse, takes place in the '80s, with Deadpool and presumably X-Force occurring in the present day.
More likely, Kutsuna will be portraying another character entirely, but it's never safe to assume things when it comes to Fox's X-Men universe. For now, it's another exciting addition to the cast. Along with the more concrete news, we've also seen some audition tapes surface for Deadpool 2 pointing towards another powerful new mutant joining the movie. Though the film will be a smaller affair than other superhero movies, it looks as if Fox is keen to pack it with as many characters as possible. Hopefully, we'll know more about Deadpool 2 soon as the film nears its filming start date.
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Source: Deadline
