Ryan Reynolds is diving into an exciting new project that will reunite him with longtime friend and collaborator Hugh Jackman—and this time, it’s outside the Marvel universe. In a recent interview with Variety, Reynolds revealed that he’s dedicating the next year to writing a film in which he will co-star with Jackman, directed by their frequent collaborator, Shawn Levy. This announcement has sparked enthusiasm among fans who have enjoyed Reynolds and Jackman’s onscreen chemistry, notably in the highly successful Deadpool & Wolverine movie. Their latest project promises to bring their dynamic to a fresh setting and genre, with Reynolds teasing that the story will be unique and unconnected to the Marvel franchise.
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The Rebirth of a Dynamic Duo
Following the phenomenal success of Deadpool & Wolverine, which grossed $636.7 million domestically and an impressive $1.337 billion worldwide, the anticipation for a Reynolds-Jackman reunion is high. While both actors have earned acclaim for their roles as Marvel’s Deadpool and Wolverine, respectively, this new project aims to explore different themes and characters. Reynolds, 48, told Variety that he’s fully immersed in writing the screenplay over the coming months, taking on dual roles as both writer and star. “I’m spending the year writing,” he shared. “I’m writing a movie for myself, Hugh, and Shawn to do that is not Marvel.”
From Superheroes to New Storylines
This upcoming film will mark the first non-Marvel movie featuring both Reynolds and Jackman, giving them an opportunity to showcase their versatility in new roles. While details about the storyline remain under wraps, Reynolds has a proven track record of success beyond the Marvel franchise. He previously co-wrote Deadpool 2 and Deadpool 3, working alongside writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick to create the signature humor and action sequences that fans love.
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Reynolds has also expanded his creative portfolio with projects like Fubo TV’s Bedtime Stories with Ryan and the upcoming Boy Band comedy for Paramount, a project he’s set to co-write, produce, and star in. Whether the new movie with Jackman and Levy will lean towards comedy, action, or drama is unknown, but fans are excited to see Reynolds’s and Jackman’s talents in a setting that doesn’t involve mutant abilities or superpowers.
Levy’s Role as Director and Producer
The upcoming film will be directed by Shawn Levy, a seasoned collaborator with both actors. Levy has previously directed Reynolds in hit films like Free Guy (2021) and The Adam Project (2022), as well as Deadpool & Wolverine. With Reynolds and Jackman at the center, Levy’s directing expertise is likely to add depth and innovation to this non-Marvel project, helping it stand apart from the superhero genre. Levy’s 21 Laps Entertainment production company has a first-look deal with Netflix, while Reynolds’ Maximum Effort is partnered with Paramount, leading to speculation about which studio may ultimately support this project.
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Beyond this, Levy was recently tapped to produce an adaptation of Freida McFadden’s bestselling novel Never Lie for Netflix. The psychological thriller follows a newlywed couple who discover disturbing secrets about a missing psychiatrist while trapped in an isolated estate. Whether Levy’s latest collaboration with Reynolds will involve similarly suspenseful or mysterious elements remains to be seen.
Reynolds, Jackman, and Levy: A History of Collaboration
The history of collaborations between these three powerhouses has only fueled the excitement surrounding this project. Jackman and Levy’s relationship dates back to their first collaboration on Real Steel (2011), a sci-fi drama that showcased Jackman’s talent in a family-oriented, futuristic storyline. Levy and Reynolds, on the other hand, forged their partnership with Free Guy, a film that earned critical and commercial success by blending action, humor, and heart. They followed it up with The Adam Project, where Reynolds portrayed a time-traveling pilot in search of his younger self—a concept that highlighted Reynolds’ ability to balance comedy with emotional depth.
Most recently, Reynolds and Jackman joined forces in Deadpool & Wolverine, a groundbreaking crossover that delighted fans. The film’s remarkable box-office performance has bolstered demand for their reunion, especially under Levy’s direction. While Deadpool and Wolverine provided audiences with witty banter and thrilling action sequences, the non-Marvel film is expected to offer a fresh, innovative take on their dynamic.
Boy Band or a New Concept? What’s Next for Reynolds and Levy
The project with Jackman could be Boy Band, a film Reynolds previously announced in early 2023. In Boy Band, Reynolds is slated to play the lead in a story centered around a boy band reunion. Reynolds co-wrote the script with Jesse Andrews (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl), with Levy attached as a producer. Though it hasn’t been confirmed if Boy Band is indeed the non-Marvel project that Reynolds hinted at in the Variety interview, it could be a likely candidate, given Levy’s involvement as producer and his close working relationship with Reynolds.
If the non-Marvel film with Jackman turns out to be a new concept altogether, it would mark an exciting expansion of Reynolds’s and Levy’s creative range. The team has previously proven its capability of delivering unique stories that capture audiences, so whether it’s a comedy, drama, or an action-packed thriller, fans are eager to see what this trio has in store.
The Appeal of a Reynolds-Jackman Reunion
The appeal of a Reynolds-Jackman partnership goes beyond their on-screen chemistry; the two actors have developed a well-known friendship that has translated into successful projects and memorable moments. They frequently engage in playful banter on social media, delighting fans with their humorous back-and-forths. This camaraderie, coupled with their proven talent, has led audiences to anticipate their reunion as a departure from the Marvel Universe—a space where both actors have firmly established themselves as iconic characters.
The combination of Reynolds’s quick wit, Jackman’s versatile acting skills, and Levy’s directorial flair holds strong potential. For studios and fans alike, a film bringing together these three names offers both financial promise and artistic potential, as Reynolds, Jackman, and Levy are known for producing high-quality, engaging entertainment.
Fans Eagerly Await Details as Project Development Begins
As Reynolds takes on the writing responsibilities for this movie, fans are eager to see if he will incorporate elements of his signature humor and heartfelt moments that have made him a beloved actor and writer. Although Reynolds declined to reveal specific plot details, his decision to devote a year to crafting the screenplay suggests a level of dedication that promises something unique.
The film industry, too, is watching closely. With Reynolds and Levy’s production companies partnered with Paramount and Netflix, respectively, the potential for the project to be picked up by either of these major studios is high. Fans and industry insiders alike are speculating on the movie’s genre, storyline, and characters, but one thing is certain: the star power of Reynolds and Jackman, combined with Levy’s creative vision, has already generated substantial excitement.
Final Thoughts: A Fresh Start for a Blockbuster Team
Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, and Shawn Levy’s reunion offers a refreshing departure from the Marvel-centric projects that have defined recent years. The anticipation for their collaboration goes beyond the novelty of seeing Reynolds and Jackman outside of their superhero personas; it also taps into the appeal of their long-standing friendship and professional rapport. Whether or not the project turns out to be Boy Band or a completely new concept, fans are ready to embrace whatever these talented creators bring to the screen.
As Reynolds spends the year writing, the entertainment industry is buzzing with the possibilities of this project. With Reynolds’s sharp humor, Jackman’s range, and Levy’s skill behind the camera, their upcoming film promises to be one of the most anticipated non-Marvel projects in recent memory. For now, fans can only wait and speculate, eagerly anticipating the chance to see their favorite duo bring a new story to life.