Just weeks after news of Fox’s interest in the John Wick director first surfaced, today it became official: Deadline has confirmed that David Leitch has signed on to direct Deadpool 2.

Leitch beat out a host of competitors that included the likes of Drew Goddard and Magnus Martens after Deadpool director Tim Miller departed the superhero sequel over creative differences in late-October. Leitch spent more than 20 years as a stunt coordinator and stuntman before he teamed as a director with Chad Stahelski on John Wick. The Keanu Reeves-starring neo noir action pic went on to earn $86 million on a $20 million budget but became an instant cult favorite. A sequel directed by Stahelski hits theaters February 10.

Leitch’s experience on John Wick makes him a good fit on Deadpool 2. Uncomfirmed reports hold that Miller and Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds parted ways over the tone and scale of the sequel. Word is Reynolds preferred to stick with the R-rated, lower-budget approach to the first installment, which was made for $58 million and went on to earn nearly 13 times that amount.

Leitch’s next directorial effort is the spy thriller The Coldest City, starring Charlize Theron, James McAvoy, John Goodman and Sofia Boutella. It’s due in theaters July 28. He’s repped by WME, Kelly McCormick and Gang Tyre.

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