When you decide to put 10 years of your life into a project. face constant rejection and eventually see it come to life, you must be certain to reap big financially. That's exactly what everyone would expect of Ryan Reynolds and "Deadpool." Known for his quick wit and attractive personality, Reynolds became synonymous with the "Merc with a Mouth." However, bringing this character to the big screen wasn't as glamorous an adventure as anyone might think. In a surprising turn of events, the Canadian-American producer chose to forego his salary for the first "Deadpool" movie, and his reason was heartwarming and inspiring. Reynolds had been a longtime fan of the Deadpool character, which initially appeared in Marvel Comics. His first taste of playing the anti-hero came in "X-Men...
(Photo: Ryan Reynolds Instagram) Reynolds had been a longtime fan of the Deadpool character
When you decide to put 10 years of your life into a project. face constant rejection and eventually see it come to life, you must be certain to reap big financially. That's exactly what everyone would expect of Ryan Reynolds and "Deadpool." Known for his quick wit and attractive personality, Reynolds became synonymous with the "Merc with a Mouth."
However, bringing this character to the big screen wasn't as glamorous an adventure as anyone might think. In a surprising turn of events, the Canadian-American producer chose to forego his salary for the first "Deadpool" movie, and his reason was heartwarming and inspiring.
Reynolds had been a longtime fan of the Deadpool character, which initially appeared in Marvel Comics. His first taste of playing the anti-hero came in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," but fans and Reynolds alike felt that the portrayal didn’t do justice to Deadpool's unique mix of humor and irreverence. Determined to set things right, Reynolds led the campaign to give Deadpool his own film. But convincing the studio was no walk in the park.
(Photo: Ryan Reynolds Instagram) Reynolds led the campaign to give Deadpool his own film
“Deadpool” was like no other superhero film. The R-rated film, full of dark humor, boldly broke the fourth wall. These elements made studios hesitant to invest. But Reynolds believed in the project. He said, "No part of me was thinking when 'Deadpool’ was finally greenlit that this would be a success." He even took drastic measures to ensure the film maintained its authentic voice.
Reynolds' Personal Investment
When Fox refused to pay for screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick to be on set, Reynolds covered the cost himself. Using his own money, he covered their expenses and created a de facto writers' room. "I even let go of getting paid to do the movie just to put it back on the screen," Reynolds revealed.
The production of "Deadpool" was a creativity and resourcefulness lesson. "I think one of the great enemies of creativity is too much time and money, and that movie had neither time nor money," Reynolds said.
(Photo: Ryan Reynolds Instagram) Fans and Reynolds alike felt that the portrayal didn’t do justice to Deadpool
This constraint compelled the team to redirect its focus to character development over spectacle, and consequently, it paid off immensely. The perfect script and Reynolds' smooth delivery, both born out of necessity, contributed to the success of this project.
Family played a significant role in Reynolds' decision to support the project financially. The father of 4 often speaks about the influence of his wife, Blake Lively, and their children. He at one time shared how becoming a father transformed his work and life perspectives. This newfound perspective undoubtedly influenced his decision to invest in something he truly believed in. He hoped this investment would serve as a perfect example of dedication and passion for his kids.
A Master of Many Faces
Away from "Deadpool," the Vancouver-born actor has had a diverse career. From romcoms like 'The Proposal' to dramatic roles in 'Buried,' he has illustrated his ingenuity as a thespian. His comic timing, however, truly shines in his portrayal of Deadpool. The character's sarcastic remarks and scornful humor seem tailor-made for Reynolds. It makes it hard to imagine anyone else could pull this character.
(Photo: Ryan Reynolds Instagram) Family played a significant role in Reynolds' decision to support the project financially
Reynolds continued to demonstrate his commitment to 'Deadpool' through his active creative involvement in its sequels. He's always striving to preserve the spirit that made the original a hit. As he worked on "Deadpool and Wolverine," he emphasized the importance of staying true to the character's roots. This was despite the bigger budget and resources available from Disney's acquisition of Fox.
“We wanted just enough money to make what we set out to make, but also find ways to creatively pivot,” he explained.
