Deadpool Movie Release Date, Plot News: Ed Skrein Signs On to Play Core Villain Ajax
Ed Skrein has just signed on to play the villain Ajax in "Deadpool," which also stars Ryan Reynolds in the titular role.
"Game of Thrones'" original Daario Naharis actor, Ed Skrein has just been confirmed to play the villainous Ajax in the Marvel Comics movie adaptation of "Deadpool."
Skrein took to his Twitter account Tuesday and posted a photo of Ajax's movie chair, captioning it "#deadpool #ajax That's all!!!"
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His character, Ajax plays one of the movie bad guys responsible for turning Ryan Reynold's Wade Wilson character into Deadpool for the Weapon X program. Ajax, being part of the same program, received genetic enhancements to boost his speed and strength, as well as the ability to feel no pain.
Ajax's character begins as a man known only by one name, Francis, who is one of the enforcers in the medical facility where the Weapon X program is held in progress. Francis has his nerves removed, deadening his ability to feel pain and other sensations, and begins his reign as a bully among the program washouts, which include Wade Wilson.
When Ajax attempts to kill Wilson after a Weapon X surgery failure, Wilson defends himself and "kills" Francis instead. However, Francis soon reappears having taken on the identity of Ajax, and starts seeking out and murdering all the former subjects of the Weapon X program.
Based on the comic books, Ajax and Deadpool get into several seriously bloody fights, which will presumably be carried over into the movie, hence Reynolds' persistent lobbying to get "Deadpool" an R-rating.
Skrein, 32, has recently wrapped up filming "The Transporter: Refueled," a prequel of the "Transporter" franchise where he plays a younger Frank Martin, a role previously made famous by Jason Statham. Being cast in "Transporter" was one of Skrein's reasons for leaving his "Game of Thrones" Daario Naharis role in season four, which was subsequently taken over by Michiel Huisman.
"Deadpool" will also star Morena Baccarin, Gina Carano, and T.J. Miller and is scheduled to premiere in theaters on February 16, 2016.
