Variety’s Actors on Actors this year’s lineup included a much-anticipated discussion between Ryan Reynolds and Andrew Garfield. Reynolds’ major project in 2024 was the highly anticipated MCU crossover ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’.
Whereas, Garfield starred in the also critically acclaimed but serious, ‘We Live in Time.’ Additionally, Reynolds offered a reflective perspective on the future of the Deadpool franchise, hinting at the Merc with a Mouth’s evolving role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Ryan Reynolds On Deadpool’s Future In The MCU, Possibly In A Channing Tatum Movie
When asked by Andrew Garfield about what lies ahead for Deadpool, Reynolds admitted uncertainty, signaling a potential shift for the beloved anti-hero. “I don’t know,” Reynolds said. “Honestly, my feeling is that the character works very well in two ways. One is scarcity and surprise.”
Related: ‘Deadpool And Wolverine’ Script Reveals The R-Rated Mickey Mouse Joke Disney Didn’t Want In The Film
Balancing family life with the demands of leading a major franchise appears to weigh in on Reynolds. As a father of four, he stressed the importance of being present for his children. “I have four kids, and I don’t ever want to be an absentee dad. I kind of die inside when I see their faces and they do a sports thing or something, and I missed it.”
Reynolds explained that the intention behind ‘Deadpool And Wolverine’ was to craft a film that felt complete rather than a vehicle for more sequels. Moreover, the actor also suggested the character might be better suited for smaller roles moving forward. “If he comes back, it’s gonna be in someone else’s movie. Channing Tatum … I would happily be a fifth banana in his movie or anyone else’s.”
Ryan Reynolds Defends Comedy When Compared To Andrew Garfield’s Serious Role
During the interview, Reynolds also addressed a critique of his participation in Actors on Actors by Variety. A social media post mocked the pairing, contrasting Garfield’s serious role in ‘We Live in Time’ with Reynolds’ Deadpool.
In case you missed it: How ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’s Controversial Deadpool Came To Be?
The post read, “Andrew Garfield talking about playing a husband and father whose wife decides to forgo cancer treatment, and Ryan Reynolds talking about playing Deadpool.” While the comment appeared to belittle Reynolds’ contributions, the actor responded with humor and thoughtful reflection.
He took to his X account to acknowledge Garfield’s immense talent, calling him :a “genius.” However, he also seized the opportunity to defend comedy as a genre. “I understand that drama is more overtly difficult, but comedy has an added dimension in that it’s meant to look and feel effortless,” Reynolds explained.
Additionally, the actor elaborated on the challenges of comedic storytelling, emphasizing its unique intricacies. “In comedy, every beat counts. If the timing is off by even a fraction, the entire scene can collapse. And yet, it has to feel natural, like you’re not trying too hard. That’s incredibly hard to pull off.”
Moreover, while Garfield’s work in ‘We Live in Time‘ tackles profound emotional themes, Reynolds argued that comedy has its own significance. “It’s not just about making people laugh. Comedy helps us process life’s absurdities and sometimes its biggest challenges.”
