Ryan Reynolds defends comedy acting against critics mocking ‘Deadpool’ role

Ryan Reynolds, known for his portrayal of the wisecracking superhero Deadpool, addressed criticism on social media after being featured in Variety's Actors on Actors series. The mockery stemmed from his inclusion alongside Andrew Garfield, whose role in the A24 drama We Live in Time has garnered critical acclaim.

The backlash began when a now-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter) compared Garfield’s dramatic role as a husband in an emotional cancer-themed narrative to Reynolds’ turn as the irreverent Deadpool in the Marvel blockbuster Deadpool and Wolverine. The post read, “Andrew Garfield talking about playing a husband and father...and Ryan Reynolds talking about playing Deadpool.”

In response, Reynolds took to X, praising Garfield’s performance and defending the art of comedy. "Andrew’s a genius,” Reynolds wrote. “He and Florence [Pugh] are magic together in We Live in Time. They’re heartbreaking and charming... And yes, I am Deadpool, but I will take a second and speak up in defense of comedy.”

Reynolds elaborated on the complexities of comedy versus drama, emphasizing that comedy is often misunderstood because of its effortless appearance. “Dramatic work is difficult. And we’re meant to see it’s difficult, which is why it feels visceral and effective. Comedy is also very difficult, but it’s meant to look effortless,” Reynolds explained. “You intentionally hide the stitching and unstitching... Comedy and drama subsist on tension. Both thrive when subverting expectation.”

Reynolds also highlighted the subjectivity of humor, joking that while some may consider Anchorman the pinnacle of comedy, his personal favorite might be Lars von Trier’s melancholic drama Melancholia.

Reynolds and Garfield’s conversation will premiere on Dec. 9, kicking off the new season of Actors on Actors. This season features exciting pairings, including Ariana Grande with Paul Mescal, Nicole Kidman with Zendaya, and Angelina Jolie with Cynthia Erivo.

Reynolds’ Deadpool and Wolverine, released earlier this year, shattered box office records, becoming the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time with $1.3 billion in global earnings. The film has positioned Reynolds as a potential Golden Globe nominee for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy.

This defense of comedy highlights Reynolds’ passion for the craft and underscores the skill required to bring levity to audiences worldwide, whether through superhero antics or subtle comedic timing.