Terminator: Dark Fate director Tim Miller recently spoke about what really happened with Deadpool 2 and why he did not return to direct the sequel.
An initial report indicated that Miller did not return due to creative differences.
In 2016, TheWrap reported Reynolds returned to the sequel with a new deal that gave him control over casting and “other creative controls.”
The two reportedly also had very different visions for the film. Miller reportedly wanted a more “stylized sequel” while Reynolds wanted to embrace the first film’s “raunchy comedy style.”
The two also reportedly had issues over the casting of Cable. Miller wanted Kyle Chandler, and Reynolds did not.
Now, Miller is opening up about why he did not return in an interview with KCRW’s The Business Podcast.
“It became clear that Ryan wanted to be in control of the franchise. You can work that way as a director, quite successfully, but I can’t. I don’t mind having a debate, but if I can’t win, I don’t want to play. And I don’t think you can negotiate every creative decision, there’s too many to make. So Ryan’s the face of the franchise, and he was the most important component of that, by far. If he decides he wants to control it, then he’s going to control it.”
The Direction of Dark Fate
In the same interview, Miller talked about his experience working with Producer James Cameron on Terminator: Dark Fate. There seemed to be a disconnect with the box office and the critical reviews of the film. So while the film initially enjoyed a 72% on Rotten Tomatoes, just as T2: Judgement Day did, the returns at the box office were far less favorable, earning only $29 million in its opening weekend.
Like his experience with Deadpool 2, Miller explained why he would never work with James Cameron again.
“But it has nothing to do with whatever trauma I have from the experience, it’s more that I just don’t want to be in a situation again where I don’t have the control to do what I think is right.”
He also talked to The Hollywood Reporter about his creative battles with James Cameron, “Even though Jim is a producer and David Ellison is a producer and they technically have final cut and ultimate power, my name is still on it as director.”
He added, “Even if I’m going to lose the fight…I still feel this obligation to fight because that is what the director is supposed to do. Fight for the movie.”
He also detailed one of the disagreements they had:
“[I suggested] Legion is so powerful, the only way to beat it is going back in time and strangle it in the crib. Jim says, ‘What’s dramatic about the humans losing?’ And I say, ‘Well, what’s dramatic about the humans winning and they just need to keep on winning?’ I like a last stand. It’s not his thing.”
What do you think of Miller’s comments? Is he burning bridges or making a legitimate stand as a creative influence? Sound off in the comments below or let’s talk about it on social media?