X-Men Film Universe's Future: 10 Things You Need To Know

4. Deadpool 2 May Be Here Sooner Than Expected

By now, you likely don't need us to tell you that Fantastic Four was a complete and utter flop. In the nine weeks it played in US cinemas, it grossed less than the first Fantastic Four movie did in its opening weekend and is one of the worst reviewed superhero movies of all-time. Understandably, Fox is now reconsidering where to take the franchise next, and while the sequel is still dated for 2017, it meeting that release seems unlikely. Adding weight to that thinking is one rumour that points to Fox putting a Deadpool sequel on the fast track and it now being released in the slot currently held by Fantastic Four 2. Simon Kinberg has actually confirmed that the studio is indeed developing a follow-up (which will more than likely include Cable) due to how happy they are with how the first has shaped up, and providing that the R-Rated movie ends up being a hit early next year, it wouldn't be in the least bit surprising for Ryan Reynolds to return as the Merc with the Mouth in a prime summer slot. What of the Fantastic Four then? The plan at one point was apparently for them to star in a crossover with characters from the X-Men franchise, and while Bryan Singer was named as being a candidate to helm their sequel in order to put the team back on the right track, he's going to now be too busy with 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea to make that a reality. As for the Fantastic Four's team-up with the X-Men, it's hard to imagine Fox now wanting to taint the latter franchise by having them meet that team! Whatever the future may hold in store for the Fantastic Four, don't expect it to necessarily involve Marvel Studios. Asked during a recent interview whether Fox intends to reach a deal with them as Sony did with Spider-Man, he denied having any knowledge of either that or the rights possibly reverting. As a result, the iconic foursome are now sitting on the shelf as part of the X-Men Universe...