With Deadpool 2 heading to the big screen in 2018, one of the big questions surrounding the sequel is just who will be playing the role of fan-favourite time-travelling, metal-armed badass, Cable. Well, there’s now apparently a very clear frontrunner for that gig.

As per The Hollywood Reporter, 20th Century Fox has decided that Michael Shannon is the man they want to appear opposite Ryan Reynolds’ Merc with a Mouth. Shannon is no stranger to genre fans, having played Zod in Man of Steel, not to mention having wowed in the likes of Boardwalk Empire, Midnight Special, Revolutionary Road and Nocturnal Animals – the latter two for which he was Oscar nominated for.

Previously, the likes of Stephen Lang, Kyle Chandler, David Harbour, and Liam Neeson were names linked to the Cable role, but it now seems as if all is in place for Michael Shannon to officially get the nod.

As well as introducing Cable to the big screen, Deadpool 2 will also introduce another badass merc mutant, Domino, already confirmed to be played by Atlanta’s Zazie Beetz. John Wick’s David Leitch is on board to direct.

Expect to be hearing more on the Cable situation and any further Deadpool 2 developments as we get it.