Ryan Reynolds Responds to Oscars Hosting Buzz After Martha Stewart Claims He’s ‘Not Funny Enough’

The rumor mill has been buzzing with speculation about Ryan Reynolds possibly co-hosting the 2025 Academy Awards with his longtime friend and Deadpool co-star Hugh Jackman. With both actors being known for their quick wit and undeniable chemistry, the idea of the duo teaming up to host Hollywood’s biggest night has sparked considerable excitement among fans and industry insiders alike. However, after Martha Stewart weighed in with her own opinion, claiming that Reynolds isn’t funny enough for the job, the actor took the opportunity to humorously fire back.

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman: The Ideal Co-Hosts?

The speculation about Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman co-hosting the Oscars next year started gaining steam after Reynolds himself addressed the topic in an interview with Deadline on Thursday. The Canadian actor, known for his roles in films like Deadpool, The Proposal, and Free Guy, expressed genuine interest in the idea.

“The Oscars, yes. This is something I really genuinely would love to do with Hugh,” Reynolds said when asked about the possibility of co-hosting the prestigious event. “So, one day I’d love to do that, I don’t know about this year, but one day, yeah.”

This comment ignited even more discussion online, with fans imagining what the Oscars might look like if Reynolds and Jackman took the stage together. The two actors, who have starred in the X-Men franchise as Deadpool and Wolverine, share a playful and friendly banter both on and off-screen. Their camaraderie has been well-documented in interviews, social media posts, and even joint appearances, making them a natural fit for such a high-profile gig.

However, as much as Reynolds appears open to the idea, he also acknowledged that family commitments and his demanding work schedule might prevent him from taking the plunge just yet. The actor, who shares four children with his wife Blake Lively—James (9), Inez (7), Betty (4), and Olin (1)—explained that while hosting the Oscars is an exciting opportunity, his primary focus remains his children.

“Part of it is that these movies like Deadpool & Wolverine, they consume my life, and I have four kids, and I want to be there,” Reynolds said. “I want to see them, and they want to see me, and I want to walk into school with them, and I want to be able to be there present.”

The Oscars, which are scheduled for March 2025, could coincide with a particularly busy period in Reynolds’ career. In addition to his Deadpool franchise, Reynolds is involved in several other high-profile projects, including his Netflix film The Adam Project, and a collaboration with Shawn Levy and Hugh Jackman on an upcoming movie. This leaves little room for the actor to take on a live television gig of the magnitude of the Academy Awards, especially given the pressure and intensity that come with it.

“Live TV is not something I could just do casually,” Reynolds admitted, adding that he would be “constantly writing in my head” and imagining “potentially tragic outcomes.” While the actor certainly seems intrigued by the prospect, it’s clear that he isn’t willing to take the job if it would compromise his family time or his mental well-being.

Martha Stewart’s Surprising Criticism: ‘He’s Not Funny in Real Life’

As the buzz around the potential Oscars hosting gig grew louder, not everyone was convinced that Reynolds was the right choice for the job. Enter Martha Stewart, the lifestyle mogul, who made a surprising remark about the actor during an appearance on Bilt Rewards’ November Rent Free game show.

When asked about her favorite celebrities to hang out with, Stewart was asked about Ryan Reynolds. Her response took many by surprise: “You want to know something? He’s not so funny in real life. No, he’s not so funny. He’s very serious.”

Stewart quickly clarified her statement, adding that while Reynolds is a talented actor, he doesn’t always live up to the comedic persona he portrays on screen. “He’s a good actor. He can act funny, but he isn’t funny,” Stewart said, before acknowledging that she was likely to get into trouble for making such a candid remark. “I’m going to get in trouble,” she laughed, noting that Reynolds is, in fact, her neighbor.

Stewart’s comments sent shockwaves through social media, where fans and followers of both Stewart and Reynolds were quick to weigh in. While some agreed with her assessment, others were less enthusiastic, with many pointing out that Stewart may have misjudged Reynolds’ sense of humor based on her own limited interactions with him.

Ryan Reynolds Fires Back: A Humorous Retort

As is often the case with Ryan Reynolds, the actor wasn’t one to let such a public critique slide without responding in kind. In a hilarious follow-up, Reynolds took to social media to fire back at Stewart’s assessment, acknowledging the playful jab with his signature wit.

“I’d disagree with her. But I tried that once. The woman is unexpectedly spry. She really closed the gap after a mile or so,” Reynolds joked in a tweet, referencing Stewart’s remark in a lighthearted way. His response not only diffused the tension but also reminded fans of the comedian’s impeccable timing and his ability to laugh at himself.

Reynolds’ response perfectly captured the essence of his public persona—a blend of self-deprecation, wit, and charm. It also hinted at his true comedic prowess, which many argue is best displayed when he’s not just reading lines from a script, but when he’s allowed to riff and improvise in real-time.

Hugh Jackman: The Experienced Oscar Host

While Reynolds may have his doubts about whether he’s “funny enough” for the gig, his Deadpool co-star Hugh Jackman is no stranger to hosting major events. Jackman, who has a long history of hosting live events with his signature style, would likely feel right at home as an Oscars co-host.

In 2009, Jackman emceed the 81st Academy Awards to critical acclaim. His performance as the host was widely praised for its humor, charm, and the seamless way he engaged the audience. Additionally, Jackman has hosted the Tony Awards multiple times, winning a Tony Award himself in 2004 for his role in The Boy from Oz. His versatility as a performer—ranging from dramatic acting to musical theater and comedy—has proven that he can handle the spotlight in a live television setting with ease.

It’s no surprise, then, that many fans are eager to see the pair of Deadpool and Wolverine join forces for an Oscars hosting gig. Reynolds and Jackman’s chemistry is undeniable, and their shared history in the X-Men universe only adds to the appeal. Fans would likely be in for a night filled with hilarious banter, inside jokes, and plenty of unexpected moments.

The Future of the Oscars: Will Reynolds and Jackman Team Up?

For now, the possibility of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman co-hosting the Oscars remains just that—a possibility. While Reynolds has expressed interest in the idea, his family commitments and the pressure of live television may ultimately prevent him from taking on such a monumental task in 2025. However, he has left the door open for future opportunities, saying that hosting the Oscars is something he would love to do with Jackman “one day.”

As the Oscars approach, there will likely be continued speculation about who will take the stage as host. In the meantime, fans can continue to enjoy Reynolds’ witty banter and Jackman’s stage presence in their respective projects, all while hoping that one day, these two stars will take on the ultimate hosting gig together.

For now, we’ll just have to wait and see what happens—but one thing’s for sure: if Reynolds and Jackman do eventually host the Oscars, it’s sure to be a night to remember.