Deadpool cast members to star at Rio Theatre screening

Stars of the Marvel superhero blockbuster Deadpool will be attending ascreening Monday at the Rio Theatre in a final push to save the landmark venue in East Vancouver.

The cast members attending are yet to be confirmed, but Rio operator Corinne Lea said several of them will appear at a red-carpet event for a double-bill screening of the 2016 film and its recently released sequel.

Deadpool's lead actor, Ryan Reynolds,has received an invite, Lea said.

"I know that if it's possible for him to be there, he will be," she said. "If not, I would assume he would either Skype or send some sort of video message."

Vancouver-born Reynolds has previously proclaimed his love for the venue and donated to its fundraiser.

The mayor's office said Mayor Gregor Robertson will also be at the event to proclaim the week as "Save The Rio Theatre" week.

Campaign to buy venue

BothDeadpoolfilms were filmed in Vancouver, with production closing downtownstreetsand the Georgia Viaduct over a period of several weeks.

Partners in the B.C. film and television industry are putting on the event and tickets are free, Lea said.

Lea saidthe first round of ticketsdisappeared almost immediately. A second batchwill be released online at 5 p.m. PT on Thursday.

The Rio Theatrehas campaigned for months to raise $3 million for a down payment to buy the property.

It has reached 75 per cent of its fundraising goal, but still needs to raise $800,000by July 7, Lea said.

"If we don't get the deposit, it's game over," Leasaid.

Readmorefrom CBC British Columbia