If there is one actor around which the current incarnation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe orbits, it’s Robert Downey Jr. The actor anchored three "Iron Man" films, became the showcase star for the larger franchise, and used that to leverage some big paydays for his continued involvement. It’s fairly clear that Ryan Reynolds could do the same for 20th Century Fox‘s ‘X-Men‘ films. "Deadpool" has already performed better domestically than any other X-Men movie to date and presently has the global record currently held by "X-Men: Days Of Future Past" in its sights. So it’s understandable if Reynolds seeks to maximize his own contribution to the franchise’s latest triumph.
THR reports that Reynolds was paid $2 million for "Deadpool," and thanks to back end compensation and box office bonuses negotiated on his behalf, he’s set to collect in the range of $10 million if the film reaches $800 million worldwide. But he’s angling for more more money for "Deadpool 2" —his agents are apparently forging a new deal for the actor, who is already signed (along with writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick) for the sequel.
The studio will also have to get ready to pay big money to director Tim Miller. He was paid a mere $250,000 (a standard rate for first time directors) for "Deadpool," and as you’ll recall, he’s still not signed on for the followup. So you can expect him to bank a hefty raise as well. Basically, while those involved involved want to keep the budget down for "Deadpool 2," the $58 million price tag of "Deadpool" will be sizably increased based on larger salaries alone.
Meanwhile, Reynolds is filling his post-"Deadpool" calendar. Deadline reveals he will shoot this sci-fi "Life," scripted by Reese and Wernick, this summer, but first he’ll start rolling next month on the pretty rote sounding "Hitman’s Bodyguard." Samuel L. Jackson, Gary Oldman, Elodie Yung and Salma Hayek will all star in the movie from "Kick-Ass 2" director Jeff Wadlow regarding a man who has to protect a hitman who comes in from the cold.
