'Deadpool 2' Rumors: Michael Shannon Tops List to Play Cable; Writers Tease 'Obscure Characters' Appearing

By Denise See, Christian Post Contributor Thursday, March 23, 2017

A lot of fans are looking forward to "Deadpool 2" not just because of Ryan Reynolds' return as the Merc with a Mouth, but also because of new character additions like Cable and Domino. And with Domino already cast, heads are now turning to the possibility of Michael Shannon being cast as Cable.

Cable's inclusion in the sequel was first announced by Reynolds himself during the post-credits scene of "Deadpool." This was immediately followed by rumors and speculations of which actor will play the role. And while a lot of people have openly expressed an interest in it, The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that Shannon is apparently the frontrunner on the list.

Shannon, who is no stranger to superhero films, is being greatly considered for the part of Cable. It makes sense, too, because Shannon definitely gives off the violent vibe that the character has. He previously played General Zod opposite Henry Cavill in "Man of Steel."

However, the publication notes that Shannon may be too busy to take on the role since he is a highly sought-after actor right now. He has been nominated twice for an Academy Award--the first time for "Revolutionary Road" and the second for "Nocturnal Animals."

Another name on the list of actors who can play Cable is David Harbour, who is best known for playing Jim Hopper on Netflix's "Stranger Things."

"Atlanta" star Zazie Beetz will be playing Domino, while Brianna Hildebrand will be reprising her role as Negasonic Teenage Warhead. Hildebrand has said that her character will be "cooler" in the sequel. As for the decision to cast the relatively unknown Beetz as Domino, screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick revealed that it mostly stemmed from the fact that she was able to keep up with Reynolds.

"She just really sparked, and it really just flew off the screen," Reese told IGN in an interview.

"And she, you know, in the read and in the test she went toe-to-toe with Ryan and that's not an easy task, he's such a brilliant actor. She kept face with him and that's reason enough to see how that plays out over the course of the next movie and franchise," Wernick added.

Apart from Domino and Cable, the writers also revealed to LRM that there will be "some more obscure characters" joining "Deadpool 2," and they will be a mix of both good and bad.

"Deadpool 2" will premiere in 2018.