OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
Ryan Reynolds is undeniably one of the biggest stars in Hollywood today, known for his charm, wit, and his ability to land the perfect mix of comedy and action in nearly every role he plays. From Deadpool to Free Guy and Red Notice, the actor has become synonymous with the kind of sarcastic, wisecracking hero that audiences adore. But as successful as Reynolds is now, there was a time when he faced immense pressure—and even blackmail—to take on a role that, in hindsight, would be pivotal to his career.
The movie in question is X-Men Origins: Wolverine, the 2009 film that introduced Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson—better known to comic book fans as Deadpool. While X-Men Origins: Wolverine is largely remembered for its botched portrayal of Deadpool (thanks to a controversial and widely criticized storyline that turned the mercenary into a mute, weaponized monstrosity), it was also the film that laid the groundwork for the Deadpool franchise that would later make Reynolds a household name. But for Reynolds, the journey to bringing Deadpool to life was far from straightforward, and it was shaped by a surprising element: coercion.
As it turns out, Reynolds was essentially blackmailed into taking on the role. After spending years trying to get a standalone Deadpool movie off the ground, Reynolds was finally offered the chance to play the character—but there was a catch. Fox, the studio behind the X-Men films, had a different vision. They wanted to introduce Wade Wilson in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and they made it clear that Reynolds had a stark choice: play Deadpool in this film, or the studio would find someone else to do it—and likely end any chances of the character’s solo movie.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Reynolds admitted that Fox had essentially used his passion project as a bargaining chip. “That was sort of the way it was floated to me,” he said, hinting that he had no real say in the matter. The ultimatum was simple: if Reynolds didn’t play Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, someone else would, and any hopes of a standalone Deadpool movie would be dashed. Faced with this difficult decision, Reynolds reluctantly signed on.
“I was under the impression that it was ‘either play Deadpool in this iteration or someone else will,’” Reynolds explained. “So, of course, I signed on.” It wasn’t a decision made out of excitement or enthusiasm, but out of necessity. If he didn’t take the role, it would have meant losing the character altogether, as the studio was willing to cast anyone else in the role without hesitation.
Of course, in hindsight, Reynolds would go on to become synonymous with Deadpool, leading the character to critical and commercial success in 2016 and 2018 with the release of Deadpool and Deadpool 2. The films became some of the highest-grossing R-rated movies of all time and cemented Reynolds’ place as one of Hollywood’s leading men. However, his experience with X-Men Origins: Wolverine was far from positive. The film’s portrayal of Deadpool (or rather, the lack of one) left Reynolds with little to be excited about. In fact, he has been vocal about his displeasure with the movie, aside from the fact that it introduced him to Hugh Jackman, a relationship that would become one of the most iconic in Hollywood.
Despite the disappointment of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Reynolds’ perseverance eventually paid off. His desire to see Deadpool portrayed authentically on screen led him to fight for a true solo film, which finally came to fruition in 2016. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Ryan Reynolds’ story is a reminder of the challenges that come with navigating Hollywood’s complex and often intimidating power dynamics. While he may be able to call the shots now, his early career was shaped by circumstances outside his control—none more evident than when he was blackmailed into taking a role he didn’t want, just to ensure that his dream of bringing Deadpool to the big screen could come true.