It looks like that leaked Deadpool test footage — and the positive reaction from fans — has dragged the movie back from development hell. 20th Century Fox, home of the X-Men and Fantastic Four movie franchise, just announced that the Deadpool movie is really, truly happening. At least, it has a release date — February 12th, 2016 — leaving about 16 months film and edit it.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, original director Tim Miller is still attached to the project while "no deal is set" for long-attached star (and avowed Deadpool fan) Ryan Reynolds. We're pretty sure he'll say yes. Original writer / producer Rhett Reese took to twitter in celebration:

Deadpool fans, you retweeted your support, now RETWEET in CELEBRATION! Movie on its way!!! http://t.co/qt7boTCAnl — Rhett Reese (@RhettReese) September 18, 2014

As did Deadpool creator Robert Liefeld:

Crazy stuff happens when you leave the house for the first time in a week!!! DEADPOOL in Feb. 2016!!! Woo-ya!!! — robertliefeld (@robertliefeld) September 18, 2014

I told you all to keep the faith!! Congrats to Tim Miller, @RhettReese Paul Wernick and Ryan Reynolds for fighting for this film!! #deadpool — robertliefeld (@robertliefeld) September 18, 2014

In related news, Fox pushed Fantastic Four back two months, from June 19th, 2015 to August 7th. (Assassin's Creed, which originally had that date, is currently not on the release calendar.) And as far as we know, X-Men: Apocalypse is still set for a few months after Deadpool on May 27, 2016.

Also due out in 2016? Warner Bros' Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (March 25th), Marvel Studio's Captain America 3 (May 6th) and Doctor Strange (July 8th), and Sony's Spider-Man spinoff Sinister Six (November 11th). Busy, busy year for superheroes.