In a candid and unexpected revelation that is sure to surprise even the most loyal Deadpool fans, Ryan Reynolds, the star and co-writer behind the hit franchise, has singled out a rather dramatic and emotional moment as his proudest achievement in the Deadpool and Wolverine series. Rather than focusing on the memorable one-liners that have become synonymous with the character, Reynolds has chosen a scene that is far more subdued, emphasizing the power of acting and storytelling over the quick-witted humor for which Deadpool is known.
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Speaking at the prestigious 13th annual Behind the Camera Awards held at the Hollywood Athletic Club, Reynolds opened up about a key moment in Deadpool 2 that he believes truly exemplifies the depth of the film’s writing and the extraordinary talents of his co-star, Hugh Jackman. It’s a moment that many fans may not have initially considered as a standout, but Reynolds has expressed that it holds a special place in his heart for its raw emotional power and its ability to flip the script on familiar character dynamics.
A Surprising Choice: The Wolverine Speech in the Van
In his acceptance speech, Reynolds revealed that the moment he’s most proud of in Deadpool 2 is not one of the many iconic quips that Deadpool delivers, but rather a more intense, dramatic scene in which Wolverine, portrayed by Hugh Jackman, delivers a scathing speech in the van. “The thing I’m probably most proud of was the Wolverine speech in the van where he just tears Deadpool a new one,” Reynolds shared with the crowd, according to Variety.
For Reynolds, this scene stands out as one of the most beautiful and powerful in the entire Deadpool saga. In the scene, Wolverine (Logan) and Deadpool (Wade Wilson) find themselves in a tense, emotionally charged moment that transcends the typical playful banter and irreverence that defines their interactions. Reynolds explained that the moment allowed Jackman to showcase his full range as an actor, revealing a raw and visceral side to the character that had previously been hidden beneath Wolverine’s tough exterior. “You see what a raw, visceral, powerhouse of an actor Hugh Jackman is,” Reynolds said, admiring the depth Jackman brought to his character in this rare vulnerable moment.
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But what made the scene truly remarkable for Reynolds was the way it flipped the typical dynamic between the two characters. Deadpool, known for his witty and verbose nature, often takes the lead in their exchanges, with Wolverine staying mostly silent and stoic. However, in this instance, the roles are reversed. “You see a character who is never verbose, who is a Clint Eastwood archetype, suddenly going, ‘Oh yeah, man? Well, I can talk too,'” Reynolds continued, praising how the scene allowed Jackman to push his character into a new territory of emotional expression.
Behind the Scenes: The Collaborative Spirit of Deadpool 2
Reynolds’ acknowledgment of the van scene is just one piece of the puzzle in understanding how Deadpool 2 became the commercial and critical success it is today. During his acceptance speech at the Behind the Camera Awards, Reynolds emphasized the collaborative nature of the film and how so many individuals came together to make it the success it turned out to be. “So many people came together to make this film what it is. This infusion of joy and emotion and warmth and heart and all the things that we love so, so much,” he said, underscoring the importance of teamwork in bringing the story to life.
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He also took a moment to humorously reflect on the film’s performance, acknowledging that, while the box office results were impressive, it wasn’t the financial success that mattered most. “I am incredibly proud of this movie, not just because of the film’s performance at the box office, that’s not remotely important. Unless you don’t follow or track box office, in which case let me tell you, it’s extraordinary,” he joked, clearly proud of the film’s massive global success, which grossed around $1.3 billion worldwide.
The Challenges of Making an R-Rated Film Under Disney
Of course, the road to making a successful R-rated film within the family-friendly Disney empire wasn’t entirely smooth. The fact that Deadpool 2 retained its R rating, despite the challenges of fitting within Disney’s more family-oriented framework, speaks to Reynolds’ determination to maintain the integrity of the franchise. Despite initial resistance to editorial suggestions from Disney CEO Bob Iger, Reynolds eventually agreed to make some adjustments.
In a September Q&A at the Fast Company Innovation Festival in New York, Reynolds humorously recalled an encounter with Iger regarding the removal of a specific line from the script. “As soon as somebody says something, like, ‘Ryan, Bob Iger here. Would love it if you’d take that one line out. It’s really going to make our life hard over here.’ As soon as they say that, there’s just something in my brain that goes, ‘Must keep line! Precious!’” Reynolds laughed, admitting that his initial reaction was one of resistance. However, despite his attachment to the line, he ultimately conceded to the change, adding his own playful spin to the process by suggesting a new line about Pinocchio instead.
“Can I say something about Pinocchio instead?” Reynolds cheekily asked, receiving the approval he needed. His humor and creativity in navigating the delicate balance between maintaining Deadpool’s edgy charm while also meeting Disney’s standards helped keep the movie true to its roots.
Gratitude for Disney’s Support of the R-Rated Franchise
Despite the compromises, Reynolds expressed his gratitude for Disney’s overall approach to maintaining the franchise’s mature rating. Deadpool 2 was the first R-rated Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) entry under Disney, and it was clear that the studio had been careful to respect the unique tone and audience of the Deadpool franchise. “I was surprised though, that they let us go as hard R, but very grateful,” Reynolds admitted to Fandango. “I mean, there’s no other way to do it.”
Reynolds also noted that Deadpool 2’s ability to keep its edge—featuring 116 instances of the franchise’s signature four-letter word—was a testament to the film’s success in finding a balance between Disney’s expectations and the audience’s desire for a no-holds-barred, irreverent superhero movie.
A Major Success: Deadpool 2 Breaks Records and Earns Recognition
Deadpool 2 was not only a commercial triumph but also a cultural milestone. It marked Disney’s first foray into the world of R-rated superhero films, and its success proved that mature, adult-oriented content could thrive even within the constraints of a studio that was known for producing family-friendly films. The film’s huge box office numbers, combined with the critical acclaim for its wit, heart, and boundary-pushing humor, solidified Deadpool 2 as a defining entry in the superhero genre.
At the 2024 Emmy Awards, Welcome to Wrexham—the documentary about Reynolds’ ownership of Wrexham AFC—won four Emmys, further cementing his reputation as a creative force both in front of and behind the camera. Whether in film, television, or sports ownership, Reynolds has continued to build an empire based on his unique blend of humor, heart, and business savvy.
Ryan Reynolds’ Legacy in Film and Beyond
Ryan Reynolds’ reflections on Deadpool 2 highlight his deep respect for the artistry involved in filmmaking, as well as his genuine admiration for his co-stars and collaborators. The moment he singled out in his speech—the emotional Wolverine van scene—reminds audiences that, while Deadpool may be known for its humor and wit, at its core, it’s a film that resonates because of the raw emotion and depth of its characters.
As Reynolds continues to carve out a path as a writer, actor, and producer, his ability to blend comedy with profound moments will remain at the heart of his success. Fans eagerly await whatever he does next, knowing that, with Reynolds at the helm, there will always be surprises, laughs, and, most importantly, heart.
