Ryan Reynolds Confesses to Leaking Deadpool Footage in 2014
Ryan Reynolds has recently acknowledged that he was behind the leak of the Deadpool test footage in 2014, an action that ultimately persuaded 20th Century Fox to greenlight the R-rated film about a character then considered marginal in the comic book world.
Reynolds’ Revelation at TIFF
The actor disclosed this information at the Toronto International Film Festival, as reported by Entertainment Weekly, expressing his retrospective gratitude for his decision, despite it being somewhat unethical. “I’m grateful that I did the wrong thing in that moment,” Reynolds remarked.
Deadpool’s Cinematic Journey
Before Deadpool became a cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, contributing to the blockbuster success of Deadpool & Wolverine, which grossed over a billion dollars worldwide, Reynolds faced significant challenges. After his portrayal of Wade Wilson / Weapon XI in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine, he struggled to convince Fox executives of the viability of a mature, standalone Deadpool movie.
The Leaked Test Footage
The leaked footage, a CGI creation by filmmaker Tim Miller crafted in 2012, showcased what a live-action, R-rated Deadpool movie could be. Released online in 2014, two years after Reynolds starred in the unsuccessful Green Lantern film, the footage featured Deadpool in his full glory—wisecracking, breaking the fourth wall, and engaging in hyper-violent antics. The fan reaction was overwhelmingly positive, compelling Fox to approve the film project.
Reynolds on the Impact of the Leak
Reflecting on the situation years later, Reynolds said at TIFF, “Yes, I cheated a little, but I think I was onto something that people would be interested in.” This gamble paid off handsomely as both the original Deadpool film and its sequel each made nearly $800 million at the box office. Deadpool & Wolverine, introducing both characters into the MCU, later broke records by earning $1.3 billion, becoming the highest-grossing R-rated movie ever.
The Origins of the Deadpool Footage
Reynolds shared that he had filmed the test footage years earlier, but initially, the studio was uninterested in moving forward with the project. “Deadpool was a fringe character. Not many knew who he was, and I was obsessed with him because of his self-aware comic book humor,” Reynolds explained. Despite the existence of compelling test footage demonstrating the potential success of the project, the studio hesitated.
The Leak and Its Aftermath
Reynolds humorously recounted the moment he realized the footage had been leaked online. “Some a**hole leaks it online, and I’m looking at the guy in the mirror brushing my teeth, thinking, ‘Dude, what have you done? This could be punishable by law!'” However, the leak forced the studio’s hand, and within 24 hours, the film was green-lit.
Future Appearances of Deadpool
There is speculation about whether Reynolds will return as Deadpool in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday or a potential Deadpool 4. It’s confirmed that Deadpool will appear in some capacity in Doomsday, though not as an Avenger. While Marvel Studios has made no official announcement regarding these appearances, Reynolds has hinted at his involvement.
Reynolds’ Future Plans and Deadpool’s Role
Reports last month indicated that Marvel Studios is focusing on an X-Men movie featuring a younger cast to manage costs, alongside developments like Black Panther 3. There seems to be no rush for Blade or Deadpool 4. Reynolds himself is in the early stages of developing a film that would not only feature Deadpool but also spotlight several other X-Men characters, aiming to use these characters in innovative ways.
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Reynolds has also expressed that Deadpool should not join the Avengers or the X-Men as it would signify the end of the character’s unique appeal.
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