Key Takeaways:
– Ryan Reynolds gained fame and success with Deadpool and Wolverine after a series of unsuccessful films.
– Reynolds realized he had misstepped in choosing his movie roles, which led him to reevaluate his career.
– The sci-fi flop R.I.P.D with Jeff Bridges was a turning point for Reynolds.
– Reynolds found success by rejecting traditional masculine tropes in film roles and opting for more authentic characters.
The Thrills and Spills of Ryan Reynolds' Early Career
Who doesn't love Ryan Reynolds? With the blockbuster hits of Deadpool and Wolverine under his belt, the actor is certainly one of Hollywood's leading figures. However, a decade ago, the picture was quite different. The charming and funny Reynolds was mired in a series of box office flops. This prompted him to take a step back and reevaluate his movie selection process.
The Big Flop That Sparked Change
In 2013, Reynolds co-starred with Jeff Bridges in a supernatural action film R.I.P.D. The movie was backed by a hefty budget but unfortunately, it tanked at the box office, earning way less than its production cost. This debacle was a huge wake-up call for Reynolds, who soon realized that the choice of projects was leading to his downfall.
Prior to R.I.P.D, Reynolds had starred in a series of underwhelming movies such as Green Lantern and The Change-Up. Even Safe House, his collaboration with Denzel Washington, had a lukewarm reception. It was clear that Reynolds' career needed a substantial revamp.
Reynolds Comes Clean About His Career Choices
In a candid chat with the Los Angeles Times in 2015, Reynolds admitted that he had made grave mistakes when selecting his roles. He had willingly taken on scripts just for the paycheck, a decision he later regretted. The actor realized that instead of choosing every mildly interesting script that came his way, he needed to be more selective.
The Turning Point
In 2014, the actor took a u-turn in his career by starring in the critically acclaimed film The Voices. Reynolds portrayed a schizophrenic killer, a role quite different from his previous characters. The film's positive reception validated Reynolds' belief that he made the right choice in terms of movie selection.
Dispelling the Macho Stereotype
One significant realization Reynolds had was that he found success when he subverted the masculine tropes in film roles. He cited movies like Just Friends and Adventureland where he deviated from the conventional hero role. He admitted to feeling “fake and weird” when he portrayed archetypal masculine roles and that he felt more authentic when he freed himself from such stereotypes.
Lessons Learned
Reynolds confessed that he had been unwise in his early career. He did not pay enough attention to the films' plot and narratives before signing up. However, all of that changed when he landed a role in the Deadpool franchise. The success of Deadpool marks a significant turning point in Reynolds' career, paving the way for him to become an established actor in Hollywood.
Reynolds' journey from flop films to superhero movies is an inspiring one. It reminds us that it's never too late to reevaluate our decisions and make changes for the better. As for Reynolds, he has certainly made a commendable comeback, and we can't wait to see more from him in the future!
