At Wednesday's 2025 Time 100 Summit, Ryan Reynolds reflected thoughtfully on his superhero portrayals and delved into his entrepreneurial endeavors. Having graced Time's list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World before, Reynolds engaged in a captivating "Business of Creativity" panel discussion with Time correspondent Eliana Dockterman. They explored the intricacies of his film and TV studio, Maximum Effort, and traced the evolution of his acting journey into an entrepreneurial career.
Recalling the much-maligned 2011 film Green Lantern, which bombed both critically and commercially, Reynolds offered a unique perspective. "That movie taught me invaluable lessons in the creative realm," he said with a wry smile. "I witnessed millions being poured into special effects, while I pondered aloud, 'Why not craft scenes rooted in realistic dialogue? It could be a delightful, cost-effective exchange!'" He emphasized that the lesson of prioritizing character development over grandeur stayed with him deeply.
Furthermore, Reynolds imparted, "The ultimate superpower I've ever possessed, not just professionally but in life, is self-awareness." Maximum Effort's resume boasts hits like the Deadpool films, Free Guy, IF, Shotgun Wedding, among others. Notably, Deadpool & Wolverine, released in July 2024, reigns supreme as the highest-grossing R-rated film ever.
As the panel drew to a close, Dockterman inquisitively broached the possibility of Deadpool joining the Avengers fray, inquiring if Reynolds envisioned his iconic superhero as a supporting player. Reynolds responded with a nod, "Indeed," before reflecting on the Deadpool franchise's inception following the character's underwhelming debut in 2009's X-Men Origins: Wolverine. "That movie was a metaphor for Disney's acquisition of Fox. I pitched them 18 diverse projects," he reminisced. "I was grateful to narrate a story that resonated, witnessing characters we co-created with Wesley Snipes, deserving a grand finale. That breathtaking moment… I crave more of it. As a supporting actor, I believe I could recapture that magic."
Reynolds then teased an exciting new venture: "I'm currently penning an ensemble piece." In 2017, Reynolds secured a coveted spot on the Time 100 list, followed by a Celebrity 100 appearance in 2020. This year, however, the spotlight shines on his wife, Blake Lively, star of Another Simple Favor, who earned her place among Time's esteemed honorees. The couple is set to grace the Time 100 gala on Thursday evening. More developments to follow.
