Ryan Reynolds, known for his quick wit and comedic brilliance, recently took to social media to defend his pairing with Andrew Garfield for Variety’s Actors on Actors season 21. The announcement of the duo sparked a wave of online criticism, with some users questioning the compatibility of the two actors due to their contrasting acting styles.
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The Social Media Criticism
The backlash began when users on X (formerly Twitter) compared Reynolds’ comedic career, particularly his portrayal of Deadpool, to Garfield’s critically acclaimed dramatic roles, such as his performance in We Live in Time alongside Florence Pugh. One viral post sarcastically highlighted the perceived disparity:
“Andrew Garfield talking about playing a husband and father whose wife decides to forgo cancer treatment, and Ryan Reynolds talking about playing Deadpool.”
This comment, among others, seemed to imply that Reynolds’ comedic roles lacked the depth or nuance to match Garfield’s dramatic prowess.
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Reynolds Responds: A Defense of Comedy
In a lengthy and eloquent response, Ryan Reynolds addressed the criticism head-on, not only defending his inclusion in the show but also shedding light on the complexities of comedy as a genre.
“Correct. Andrew’s a genius. He and Florence are magic together in We Live in Time. They’re heartbreaking and charming and spend the entire film in a high-wire act of humanity and constraint. And yes, I am Deadpool, BUT I will take a second and speak up in defense of comedy,” Reynolds wrote.
He went on to explain the unique challenges of comedic acting, emphasizing that while dramatic performances are designed to be visibly difficult and emotionally raw, comedy demands an additional layer of effortlessness. “Comedy is also very difficult. But has an added dimension in that it’s meant to look and feel effortless. You intentionally hide the stitching and unstitching,” he elaborated.
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The Art of Subverting Expectations
Reynolds highlighted that both comedy and drama are built on tension and thrive by subverting expectations, often relying on genuine emotion to resonate with audiences. “Both disciplines are beautiful. And both work beautifully together,” he stated. To illustrate his point, he humorously contrasted different tastes in art:
“Your favourite comedy might be Anchorman. Mine might be Lars Von Trier’s Melancholia.”
Mixed Reactions Online
Following Reynolds’ statement, the internet quickly reacted, with opinions divided between praise and criticism.
Some users supported his perspective, applauding the actor for defending his craft. “You go on with another actor to talk about your acting experiences/things you’ve been in. It’s not a competition,” one user wrote. Another added, “Thoughtfully expressed. People don’t understand how difficult putting together a work of art is.”
However, others felt that Reynolds’ response gave unnecessary attention to the criticism. “He needs to log off; clearly, this stuff gets to him. Don’t go searching for things you know will bother you,” one comment read. Another user remarked, “It’s sooo embarrassing. No one is saying comedy is not hard…he’s clearly so insecure he has to constantly defend himself.”
A Platform for Collaboration, Not Comparison
Despite the controversy, many users pointed out that the premise of Actors on Actors is to celebrate the craft of acting through meaningful conversations between peers, rather than to pit them against one another.
Reynolds and Garfield’s pairing on the show represents an opportunity for viewers to gain insight into two very different approaches to acting—one steeped in comedy and the other in drama—highlighting the versatility and complexity of the craft.
While the criticism surrounding the pairing of Ryan Reynolds and Andrew Garfield may have sparked debate, Reynolds’ thoughtful response reminds us of the value of both comedic and dramatic performances. As the Actors on Actors season airs, fans can look forward to seeing these two talented actors share their unique perspectives on their craft, proving that storytelling takes many forms—and all are worth celebrating.
