Deadpool Creator Reveals Why Cable’s Casting Had Him Nervous

After Deadpool ripped into theaters last year, fans could only wait patiently for word to break about a few special castings. The first superhero flick ended with a less-than-subtle tease about Cable joining Deadpool 2, prompting comic book diehards to fan-cast the role. The cybernetic mutant is a staple in the X-Men franchise, and 20th Century Fox took its slow time finding the perfect actor to play Cable. Earlier this year, news broke that Josh Brolin was the lucky star who nabbed the role. Fans were pleased to hear about the star’s new gig, but none were happier than Rob Liefeld. The creator of Deadpool and Cable was relieved when the casting debacle closed.

Apparently, the whole situation was a tad stressful for the creator.

Recently, Liefeld spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about the future of Deadpool and the character’s impact. With a new comic and animated series on the way, Deadpool seems to be everywhere these days. Soon, Cable will join the mouthy mercenary but deciding on who would play the X-Men probably made Liefeld grey prematurely.

“I have never seen a casting derby like the derby there was for Cable,” Liefeld explained. “That was like every race I’d ever seen combined into one. Everybody who was 38-65 made sure they put their name in there, and you have no idea some of the names that you didn’t hear!…Did I sweat that the wrong guy would get cast? Yes, 100 percent. That kept me up at night, but the planets aligned, everything worked out and I love seeing these videos of Josh pumping those guns.”

If you’re curious about Liefeld’s thoughts on Brolin, then there is no need; The creator has been happy to talk about the actor as of late. Speaking with THR, Liefeld said “Brolin is a home run any way you cut it.”

The creator also spoke with ComicBook shortly after Brolin’s casting went public. Liefeld said, “Josh Brolin brings both the gravitas as well as the physicality required to bring Cable to life on the big screen! He’s an amazing actor and I’m as excited as anyone to see him paired with Ryan Reynolds, Zazie Beets in Deadpool 2!! Cable, Domino and Deadpool people!! It’s happening!!!”

MORE: Deadpool 2: Josh Brolin Shares First Cable Pre-Production Photo / Kevin Feige Comments On Josh Brolin As Cable, Current Work As Thanos / Cable Creator Rob Liefeld Draws Josh Brolin in the Role / Here’s What Josh Brolin Could Look Like As Cable

The Deadpool sequel, which is being directed by David Leitch (John Wick, Atomic Blonde) and written by Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese, is currently in pre-production and is expected to begin filming at the end of this spring. The film will introduce Deadpool’s time-traveling mutant partner Cable, who is being played by Men In Black 3 star Josh Brolin; and X-Force member Domino, who is being portrayed by Atlanta actress Zazie Beetz. Supporting characters from the original film — such as Colossus (voiced by Stefan Kapicic), Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand), taxi driver Dopinder (Karan Soni), and Wade Wilson’s love interest Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) — are also expected to return.

Deadpool 2 will arrive in theater in 2018.