Ryan Reynolds, the charismatic actor, is opening up about the trajectory of the beloved “Deadpool” franchise. In a recent in-depth conversation with fellow actor Andrew Garfield for Variety’s Actors on Actors series, Reynolds delves into the reasons behind the franchise’s resonance with audiences. He suggests that factors such as “scarcity and surprise” might play a significant role. However, he remains uncertain about the prospect of more “Deadpool” movies.

Reynolds' Decision and Family Life

It took Reynolds six long years to bring forth “Deadpool & Wolverine.” This was partly due to his unwavering commitment to being a present father. As he shared with Garfield, he has four children - daughters James, 9, Inez, 7, Betty, 5, and a son Olin born in 2023. When asked about future plans for the franchise, he expressed his concern for not being an absentee dad. The sight of his children's faces when they engage in sports or other activities and he misses them weighs heavily on his heart. Reynolds added that he is content with the final product of “Deadpool & Wolverine” as he aimed to create a complete cinematic experience rather than using it merely as a commercial for another installment.

Producing the Film Series

Elsewhere in the interview, Reynolds reflects on his decision to step up as a producer for the “Deadpool” film series. He went on to co-write the second and third installments, sharing that it was a challenging yet fulfilling journey. He mentioned making films that resonated with critics but failed to capture the attention of audiences. This led him to figure out how to balance both critical acclaim and commercial success. He emphasized the importance of having a say in the creative process and not just being a passive participant.

Relating to Garfield's Experience

Reynolds and Garfield found common ground in their experiences of being cast in blockbuster movies where they had no input into the creative decisions. Garfield described the feeling as if one were a monkey rattling a cage. Reynolds explained that it is a terrible sensation when one tries to express a reasonable point of view, such as suggesting focusing more on character development instead of excessive spectacle, only to have it dismissed. He continued, “If that happens a couple of times, you go, ‘I own the bomb.’ If I’m going to fail, I want to be the one in control. I don’t want to be a bystander on someone else’s doomed venture.”

The Success of “Deadpool & Wolverine”

“Deadpool & Wolverine” was the most highly anticipated movie of the summer when it premiered in July. It achieved remarkable success, grossing over $1 billion at the global box office. The film brought back many beloved superhero characters, including Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, Wesley Snipes as Blade, Jennifer Garner as Elektra, Chris Evans as Johnny Storm, and introduced Channing Tatum as Gambit. Garner, who returned to the role of Elektra, expressed her happiness on Instagram. She mentioned that working with the team, including her old pal Hugh Jackman and others, was a dream come true. She was proud of her friends and grateful for the opportunity to be part of the film.