Deadpool Director Provides Encouraging Update on Long-Awaited Cult Classic Comic Book Adaptation

Tim Miller, the director behind Deadpool (2016), continues to push forward with adapting another long-dormant comic property. When Miller was chosen to helm Deadpool, he was a somewhat unconventional pick, having previously only directed short films and served in assistant director roles on features. This new opportunity, complete with a modest $58 million budget, allowed him to showcase his skills, ultimately leading to the film’s remarkable success. Garnering widespread critical acclaim, Deadpool grossed an impressive $782 million globally.

However, due to creative disagreements, Miller stepped away from Deadpool 2 and the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine.

Miller’s adept direction did not go unnoticed. Following his success, he was appointed to direct Terminator: Dark Fate (2019) and has taken on the role of executive producer for the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, which includes Sonic the Hedgehog (2020), Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022), and the forthcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024). His versatility has also extended to television, where he served as an executive producer on projects such as Secret Level and Love, Death & Robots, the latter of which he also directed and wrote for. His outstanding contributions have earned him three Primetime Emmy Awards, though he currently lacks confirmed projects following 2024.

The Goon Project: Miller’s New Ambition

A Long-Delayed Adaptation

During a recent panel at CCXP, hosted by Collider’s Inside Hollywood and featuring notable creators including Robert Kirkman, Tim Miller, and Dave Wilson, the directors delved into various projects. Miller specifically highlighted a persistently delayed adaptation: The Goon. Initial efforts to bring this project to life began in 2008, culminating in a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2012 that raised $400,000. Tim Miller was attached to the film in 2017; however, updates on its progress have been sparse. At the panel, he expressed unwavering determination:

“I will never give up on the Goon movie… I will make it.”

Adapted from Eric Powell’s acclaimed comic series centered on an anti-hero goon, this project has faced setbacks, particularly after Disney acquired 20th Century Fox, which halted numerous initiatives and led to the cancellation of several films within the Fox X-Men franchise. Although Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) has revived popular characters from that universe, the future remains uncertain. Nonetheless, Miller has expressed his commitment to develop The Goon and fulfill the promises made to Kickstarter backers.

Perspectives on the Goon Adaptation

Timely Yet Troubling?

The anticipated adaptation of The Goon arrives at an unusual time for the superhero genre. A trailer had already been unveiled in 2010, just prior to the debut of The Avengers, and since then, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has expanded significantly. Currently, superhero films face a downturn, with major franchises from both Marvel and DC experiencing notable missteps. Had The Goon been released a decade ago, it could have seamlessly fit into the cinematic landscape. As it stands, despite Tim Miller’s enthusiasm to bring it to fruition, its eventual arrival may feel belated and less impactful.

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