Ryan Reynolds has long been adored for his portrayal of the irreverent, wisecracking anti-hero Deadpool, but the actor is now revealing why continuing the franchise isn’t his top priority. In a candid interview with Andrew Garfield for Variety’s “Actors on Actors” series, Reynolds opened up about balancing his career and his role as a father, explaining how his family’s needs have reshaped his perspective on work and life.
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Family Comes First
At 48, Reynolds is not only a Hollywood superstar but also a devoted husband to actress Blake Lively and father to their four children: daughters James (9), Inez (7), Betty (5), and their youngest, son Olin, born in 2023. For Reynolds, family is more than just a priority—it’s his guiding principle.
“Honestly, my feeling is that the character [Deadpool] works very well in two ways. One is scarcity and surprise,” Reynolds explained. “So it had been six years since the last one, and part of the reason is that it swallows my whole life.”
The “Free Guy” actor emphasized that being present for his children’s milestones is non-negotiable. “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,” he shared.
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The Emotional Toll of Deadpool
While fans eagerly await the release of the highly anticipated Deadpool 3, Reynolds admitted that playing the iconic character is not without its challenges. Deadpool’s humor and energy might seem effortless on screen, but behind the scenes, the role demands an all-consuming commitment.
“Part of what makes Deadpool work is how much of myself I pour into it,” Reynolds said. “It’s not just a job; it’s a creative and emotional process that takes a lot out of me. To do it right, you have to be fully in it. But that level of focus means you’re missing out on other parts of life.”
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Reynolds’ reflections underscore the sacrifices many actors make to sustain their careers. For him, those sacrifices are no longer worth missing precious time with his family.
The Six-Year Gap
It’s been six years since Reynolds last donned the red suit in Deadpool 2 (2018), a sequel that built upon the massive success of the original film. The delay in releasing a third installment has left fans clamoring for more, but Reynolds views the gap as a creative necessity.
“Deadpool thrives on scarcity and surprise,” he said. “The longer the wait, the more special it feels when it comes back. That’s the nature of the character and the nature of the story.”
This intentional pacing not only preserves the franchise’s uniqueness but also allows Reynolds to prioritize his family and mental health.
Balancing Career and Parenthood
Reynolds and Lively have been vocal about their commitment to family. The couple famously alternates their work schedules to ensure one parent is always present for their children. “We’re very lucky to be able to do that,” Reynolds previously told People. “We don’t work at the same time. If she’s doing a project, I’m home. If I’m doing a project, she’s home.”
This teamwork reflects their shared values as parents. “I want my kids to feel like they always come first,” Reynolds said. “And that means making tough decisions about what I can and can’t do professionally.”
What’s Next for Deadpool?
Despite Reynolds’ reservations, Deadpool 3 is still in the works, with a release date tentatively set for 2024. The film, now under the Marvel Studios banner following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, promises to bring Deadpool into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Fans can expect Reynolds to deliver the same trademark wit and irreverence that made Deadpool a cultural phenomenon. However, the actor’s latest comments suggest that this might be his last outing as the Merc with a Mouth—at least for a while.
“I’m not saying I’m done,” Reynolds clarified. “But I’m also not sure I can keep doing it at the same pace. My family is growing, and so are their needs. That’s where my focus is.”
The Bigger Picture
Reynolds’ decision to prioritize his family resonates with a broader cultural shift in Hollywood. Increasingly, actors and filmmakers are speaking out about the importance of work-life balance and mental health. For Reynolds, being present for his children’s milestones outweighs the demands of a blockbuster franchise.
“I love what I do, but it’s not my whole identity,” he said. “Being a dad is the greatest role I’ll ever have.”
Ryan Reynolds’ candid reflections on fatherhood and career offer a refreshing perspective on the challenges of balancing personal and professional life. As fans eagerly await Deadpool 3, they also gain insight into the man behind the mask—a devoted father who understands the value of presence and connection.
While the future of Deadpool remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Ryan Reynolds is putting his family first, and that decision is as heroic as any role he’s ever played.
