SPECULATION: Could Joe Carnahan Replace Tim Miller As DEADPOOL Director If He Exits?

Deadpool has been in development limbo for months even with a script and director in place. Fox is eager to put out a slew of new Marvel films including The Wolverine, X-Men: Days of Future Past and Fantastic Four it's odd that Deadpool isn't being fast-tracked. Last we heard, Fox was trying to figure out the best way to make the R-rated film with Mark Millar as the studio's new creative consultant.

Tim Miller had been hired to direct after talks with Robert Rodriguez broke down. Miller last spoke about the project in October and seemed optimistic. However, Miller has since signed on to direct two big studio films Gravel and Seasons along with major involvement on the animated film The Goon. This gives the impression these other projects will likely force him to exit Deadpool.

"We've turned in an amazing script and done some early tests and visual development that -- I'm confident -- would get the fans stoked. And Ryan still loves the project. So it's really up to Fox as to whether or not the film happens -- all I can do is hope (and beg periodically) that it be allowed to move ahead."

If Miller exits my bet would be on Joe Carnahan (The Grey, Narc) being contacted to direct. This is because of his connection to all parties involved. Joe worked with Ryan on Smokin' Aces and is attached to direct Mark Millar's Nemesis for Fox. He had been hired by the studio to put together a reboot of Daredevil which ultimately didn't happen. It seemed the studio wasn't confident in the material as the rights reverted back to Marvel. That doesn't mean Joe wouldn't be considered for future Marvel films. He had been talking with Fox about developing a Taskmaster film a while back. Besides Carnahan has Nemesis and a remake of Death Wish in development, neither have started pre-production.