Leitch open to Marvel return only if he can architect the universe

David Leitch, the director of 2018s Deadpool 2, said in a recent interview that he would be open to returning to Marvel but only under a rare condition: he and his producing partner would need authority to architect the larger universe around the property. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Leitch said, "Yes, the answer is yes. If we were in charge of the architecture of a universe that was around a particular IP, that scratches the creative itch." He added that the arrangement would have to be more than a typical director for hire, and that his wife and producing partner, Kelly McCormick, is focused on building original franchises through their company, 87North Productions.

Leitch directed Deadpool 2 after Tim Miller departed the sequel and the film went on to gross about $785.9 million worldwide. He did not return for the third installment, which was helmed by Shawn Levy and reportedly grossed more than $1 billion. Leitch has since concentrated on projects that allow him to establish new franchises or set the tone from the ground up, including The Fall Guy and upcoming entries such as Violent Night 2 and a reported Gears of War adaptation for Netflix.