Ryan Reynolds defends comedy in response to social media criticism

Ryan Reynolds defends comedy after criticism of his "Actors on Actors" pairing with Andrew Garfield on social media.

Ryan Reynolds has fired back at critics who mocked his pairing with Andrew Garfield for Variety's “Actors on Actors” series.

The Deadpool actor took to social media on Friday to defend the comedic genre, acknowledging the challenge of his craft despite comparisons to Garfield's dramatic role in We Live In Time.

In the now-deleted tweet that sparked the debate, one social media user criticized Reynolds’ inclusion, pointing out the contrast between Garfield's intense portrayal of a husband in a tear-jerking drama and Reynolds’ role as the wisecracking antihero, Deadpool. In his response, Reynolds didn’t hold back, stating, “Comedy is also very difficult,” and adding that it’s often meant to “look and feel effortless.” He emphasized that while drama is inherently visceral, comedy relies on a delicate balance and the subversion of expectations.

Correct. Andrew’s a genius. He and Florence are magic together in, WE LIVE IN TIME. They’re heartbreaking and charming and spend the entire film in a high-wire act of humanity and constraint. And yes I am Deadpool BUT I will take a second and speak up in defense of comedy.…

— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) December 6, 2024

Reynolds also praised Garfield’s work in We Live In Time, calling him a “genius” and describing his performance alongside Florence Pugh as “magic.” He went on to explain that both comedy and drama thrive on tension, real emotion, and are deeply subjective. Reynolds’ passionate defense of comedy resonated with fans who appreciate the nuance required to make people laugh, especially in a role like Deadpool.

Reynolds has often been candid about his work, and this post shows his commitment to championing the artistic complexity of comedy. As the Actors on Actors series gears up for its new season, the debate surrounding Reynolds' pairing with Garfield has garnered significant attention.