Ryan Reynolds Used His "Deadpool" Salary To Ensure Writers Were On Set
Everybody loves Ryan Reynolds, and now there's even more reason to appreciate him. Ahead of the release of "Deadpool & Wolverine," Ryan shared an inspiring story about the making of the first "Deadpool" movie during an interview with the New York Times.
Not only did he reveal that he doubted the film's success, but he also took extraordinary measures to ensure the movie's quality, even at a personal cost.
Doubts and Determination
Reflecting on the early days of "Deadpool," Ryan admitted, “No part of me was thinking when Deadpool was finally greenlit that this would be a success.”
Despite his doubts, the film went on to exceed expectations, grossing over $363 million worldwide and securing the number-one spot at the box office during its opening weekend with over $132 million in earnings.
Supporting the Creative Team
Ryan's dedication to the film extended beyond his acting role. He revealed that the studio wouldn’t allow the screenwriters, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, on set due to budget constraints. In a remarkable move, Ryan paid them out of his own pocket.
“I even let go of getting paid to do the movie just to put it back on the screen: They wouldn’t allow my co-writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick on set, so I took the little salary I had left and paid them to be on set with me so we could form a de facto writers' room,” he shared.
A Lesson in Creativity
This experience taught Ryan valuable lessons about creativity and resourcefulness. “I think one of the great enemies of creativity is too much time and money, and that movie had neither time nor money. It really fostered focusing on character over spectacle, which is a little harder to execute in a comic-book movie,” he explained.
Ryan's hands-on involvement in every micro-detail rekindled his passion for filmmaking, a feeling he sought to carry forward into other projects.
Tim P. Whitby / Tim P. Whitby / Getty Images for The Walt Disney Company LimitedThe Long Road to Success
Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick had been working on the "Deadpool" script alongside Ryan for six years before the movie was made. They recounted, “It was really a core creative team of us, Ryan, and the director, Tim Miller. Fox, interestingly, wouldn’t pay for us to be on set. Ryan Reynolds paid out of his own money, out of his own pocket.”
20thcentfox / 20th Century Fox Licensing/Merchandising / Everett CollectionDespite his significant contributions, Ryan did not receive a writing credit until "Deadpool 2."
Laura Cavanaugh / FilmMagicKeeping Costs Low
With the franchise’s success, Ryan continues to advocate for a lean budget approach. He explained that for "Deadpool & Wolverine," he didn’t want more money than necessary.
20thcentfox / 20th Century Fox Licensing/Merchandising / Everett Collection“Necessity is the mother of invention. The more constraints you place on a creative process, the more you think outside of the box,” he said.
20thcentfox / 20th Century Fox Licensing/Merchandising / Everett CollectionRyan believes that working within constraints fosters creativity, pushing the team to find innovative solutions.
Han Myung-gu / WireImageA Frugal King
Ryan’s frugality and commitment to creative integrity have only increased his popularity. His willingness to invest personally in the success of "Deadpool" speaks volumes about his dedication to his craft and his belief in the project.
Photo Credit: Courtesy Twentieth Century Fox / 20th Century Fox Licensing/Merchandising / Everett Collection
This story definitely adds another layer to the admiration fans have for him, showing that his commitment to quality filmmaking goes beyond just his on-screen performances.
Marvel / © Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection
Ryan Reynolds’ story is a testament to the power of dedication, resourcefulness, and teamwork in the face of challenges. It highlights the importance of supporting creative talent and staying true to one’s vision, even when faced with financial constraints.
As fans eagerly anticipate "Deadpool & Wolverine," they can appreciate the passion and hard work that Ryan and his team continue to pour into the franchise.
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