‘Deadpool’ Eyes Morena Baccarin and ‘Orange is the New Black’ Star Taylor Schilling for Female Lead

That solo ‘Deadpool’ movie with Ryan Reynolds is indeed happening, and given the test footage that was released online a while back, plus the backing of ‘X-Men’ writer and producer Simon Kinberg, we’re actually intrigued. As the project, set to hit theaters in 2016, gears up to head into production, Fox is now looking to cast a female lead opposite Reynolds. Among the names on their shortlist are ‘Homeland’ actress Morena Baccarin and ‘Orange is the New Black’ star Taylor Schilling.

Deadline reports that the solo ‘Deadpool’ movie is currently looking to test some actresses to take the role of leading lady opposite Ryan Reynolds. ‘Homeland’ star Morena Baccarin, who currently has a recurring role on FOX’s ‘Gotham,’ and ‘Orange is the New Black’ star Taylor Schilling are on that list. Also on their list are ‘Teen Wolf’ star Crystal Reed and Rebecca Rittenhouse, who appeared on ‘The Red Band Society.’

Reynolds first appeared as Deadpool in the underwhelming (that’s an understatement) ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine,’ where his natural talent for sarcastic humor lent itself well to the role of the Merc with the Mouth. Unfortunately, the writing didn’t do the beloved comic book character any favors, giving him a rather terrible reinvention by film’s end.

The ‘Deadpool’ solo movie has been in development for some time with director Tim Miller, primarily known for his visual effects work. Miller directed the test footage that leaked online a while back featuring Reynolds, which stirred up some serious interest in a solo movie among fans, proving that they might just be able to do Deadpool some justice this time around. It was also thanks to that test footage that Fox gave the film the green light.

‘Deadpool’ will hit theaters on February 12, 2016.