Josh Brolin cast as Cable in 'Deadpool 2'

April 13 (UPI) -- Josh Brolin has landed the role of time-traveling mutant Cable in Deadpool 2.

Brolin earned the role in a surprise move as actor Michael Shannon was reported to be Fox's top choice to portray the X-Men character in March. Stranger Things star David Harbour was also on the studio's shortlist.

Cable is the second Marvel Comics character Brolin will appear as since the 49-year-old already portrayed the villainous Thanos in Disney's Marvel cinematic universe which is separate from Fox's X-Men series of films.

Deadpool star and producer Ryan Reynolds poked fun at the casting writing on Twitter, "You can't play 2 characters in the same universe!! Josh Brolin was in Sicario and I was in Sabrina The Teenage Witch.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Brolin's deal is to appear as Cable in four films.

Directed by John Wick co-helmer David Leitch, Deadpool 2 is set to begin production in June in Vancouver.

The sequel will be expanding its cast of mutants with Atlanta star Zazie Beetz having already been cast in the role of mercenary Domino.

Cable, also known as Nathan Summers, hails from the future and is the adult son of X-Men character Cyclops. He is often paired with Deadpool in the Marvel comics as the duo shared a 50-issue series together.