Ryan Reynolds sacrifices salary to ensure creative control on "Deadpool" franchise

In a recent interview with The New York Times, Ryan Reynolds opened up about the challenges and sacrifices behind launching the "Deadpool" franchise, revealing his willingness to forego a paycheck to maintain creative control.

Reynolds recounted the origins of "Deadpool," highlighting the arduous journey to greenlight the R-rated superhero film at 20th Century Fox after a decade of setbacks. He disclosed that he paid out of pocket to have screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick on set, despite the studio's reluctance to cover their expenses. This decision, according to Reynolds, allowed them to function as a de facto writers room and ensure the film stayed true to its vision.

"When 'Deadpool' was finally greenlit, I wasn't thinking about success," Reynolds admitted. "I even let go of getting paid to put it back on screen." Reflecting on the experience, he emphasized the value of working under constraints, which he believes fosters creativity and a focus on character development over spectacle.

Reese and Wernick, who collaborated with Reynolds for six years on the script, previously revealed that Reynolds funded their presence on set out of his own pocket. This move underscored Reynolds' commitment to the project's creative integrity, which eventually paid off with the film's critical and commercial success upon its release.

The actor, now preparing for the release of "Deadpool and Wolverine," spoke about his approach to filmmaking under Disney's umbrella following the studio's acquisition of Fox. Reynolds emphasized the importance of staying true to the franchise's spirit while navigating the shift in studio backing.

Reynolds also shared a personal anecdote about watching the R-rated film with his nine-year-old daughter, a decision he justified by his own impactful experiences with mature films as a child. He described the moment as one of the highlights of his career, witnessing both his daughter and his elderly mother enjoying the film's humor and emotional depth.

"Deadpool and Wolverine," slated for release on July 26 under Disney, marks another chapter in Reynolds' journey to maintain creative control and deliver authentic storytelling to audiences worldwide.