Why Does Ryan Reynolds Does Not Like Making Movie sequels

Ryan Reynolds casts doubt on a ‘Free Guy’ sequel though admits “There is the potential to do a sequel to ‘Free Guy’, which would be fun.

A follow-up to the hit 2021 movie is in development but the 46-year-old star has questioned the need to make another film but reveals “I would love it. But also like, does everything f****** have to be a sequel? I don’t know. Sometimes it’s OK to just do a movie and have it kick ass and then everyone go home.”

Ryan continued: “So you know, there’s a bit of a push and pull there, resisting the urge to just immediately say, ‘Ohh, doing a sequel will validate the first one.’

“No, the first movie validates the first one and then you can leave it at that. So I don’t know, we’re still talking about it.”

Ryan Reynolds has solidified himself as a lead action franchise star after the success of 2021’s Free Guy, 2016’s Deadpool, and its subsequent seque Deadpool 2 in 2018. It may come as a surprise to fans that Reynolds may not be keen to reprise lead a role for a certain fan-favorite franchise.

Ryan Reynolds may be lukewarm on the concept of a sequel for the video game-influenced action film Free Guy.

Free Guy was released in 2021 with a robust cast of actors including Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Joe Keery, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Taika Waititi, and John Krasinski. It was produced by Shawn Levy from a screenplay by Matt Lieberman and Zak Penn, and a story by Lieberman. Levy has collaborated with Ryan Reynolds a number of times since directing Free Guy, with the two connecting again for The Adam Project in 2022, and the upcoming Deadpool 3.

Free Guy incorporated numerous video game and culture references that endeared it to fans. The game world drew inspiration from games like Grand Theft Auto, Fortnite, and The Sims, and the film features iconic video game weapons including a Star Wars lightsaber, Captain America’s shield, and Fortnite’s pickaxe. The directorial choices and video game references made the film a vibrant romp with its own visual and aesthetic style.

Reynolds’ feelings on the subject may be guided by his involvement in the Deadpool franchise, for which he will be reprising his role as the titular Deadpool for Deadpool 3, set to release in 2024. With the rights of Deadpool, the X-Men, and the Fantastic Four returned to Marvel Studios, it is an almost foregone conclusion that Deadpool will be appearing within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the character is set to star alongside Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine in Deadpool 3. This could mean an extended run for Reynolds as the character.

Ryan Reynolds first donned the role of Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine back in 2009, before leading in 2016’s Deadpool film. Many weren’t sure that the character’s humor, crassness, and graphic nature of his healing abilities would translate with audiences, but the film was a huge success despite its R rating. What felt like it could have been a one-off character for Reynolds has now become a defining character for his career.

Outside of Free Guy and Deadpool, Reynolds is known for roles in National Lampoon’s Van Wilder, The Proposal, and Pokémon: Detective Pikachu, among others.

‘Free Guy’ director Shawn Levy confirmed last year that the sequel was “still in development” but he had no plans to rush the follow-up to the film – which also starred Jodie Comer and Lil Rel Howery.

He said: “It’s still in development. I don’t know if it’s in the cards, but it is very much still in development.

“It’s something that Disney and Fox want badly. I really try to not make sequels that don’t deserve to be.

“And it’s why I didn’t move forward with the ‘Real Steel’ sequel because I didn’t feel we had a second movie that could match or top the first.”

Reynolds’ comments cast doubt on the project and whether the actor is committed to the franchise in the long term.

Author:

Mark Boardman is a highly experienced entertainment journalist with a decade of expertise in both digital and print publishing. His exceptional skills in covering global events, red carpets, junkets, and conducting interviews with a diverse range of high-profile talents across music, film, TV, and celebrity, have earned him a reputable name in the industry.

With an excellent track record of delivering high-quality content, Mark has established himself as a reliable source of the latest news and insights in the world of entertainment.

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Mark Boardman
Mark Boardman
Mark Boardman is an established showbiz journalist and freelance copywriter whose work has been published in Business Insider, Daily Mail, Bloomberg, MTV, Buzzfeed and The New York Post amongst other press. Often spotted on the red carpet at celebrity events and film screenings, Mark is a regular guest on BBC Radio London and in-demand for his opinions for media outlets including Newsweek. His TV credits include This Morning, The One Show and T4. Email Mark@MarkMeets.com

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