Deadpool 2 might be coming sooner than expected

Ryan Reynolds has already signed on to play Deadpool again – and the sequel is set to enter production later this year.

The actor made his debut as the pansexual superhero this year, smashing box office records for an adult-rated film with the comedic take on superhero movies.

Deadpool is the first non-heterosexual superhero to get his own standalone film, and was seen flirting indistinctly with both men and women throughout the film.

The comic book version of the character is said to “do anything with a pulse”, while director Tim Miller and Reynolds have described him as “hypersexualised” and “pansexual”.

According to Heroic Hollywood, Reynolds has officially signed on to the sequel this week with a re-negotiated contract. He reportedly earned just a $2 million advance from the first film,  despite it grossing $750 million.

Production sources told the entertainment website that “a deal has closed on the second film in the franchise and production is expected to star this fall” – which could see a release in a couple of years’ time.

Writer Rhett Reese previously hinted that the hero’s sexuality will be explored further in the second outing.

He said: “We knew that was part of the comics. We wanted to honour that in the movie,” Reese said.

Reynolds said of potential same-sex romance in the follow-up: “That would be great. I certainly wouldn’t be the guy standing in the way of that.

“I love that about Deadpool. I love that he can break any boundary. In the future, I hope we get to do that more.”

Arrow star John Barrowman previously called for more gay superheroes on TV.

Marvel’s Cinematic Universe – which features Iron Man, Thor and Captain America – has featured gay characters – in TV series Jessica Jones and Agents of SHIELD.