Ryan Reynolds Talks Taking Control of His Career and Creative Vision in Hollywood

Ryan Reynolds has opened up about his evolving relationship with Hollywood studios, emphasizing the importance of taking control over his career. During a conversation with Andrew Garfield for Variety's "Actors on Actors", Reynolds shared his desire to be more involved in the filmmaking process. He explained that while studios make significant investments in his projects, his job is not only to deliver a return on that investment but also to create a collaborative and trusting environment. This shift in mindset, particularly with the Deadpool franchise, allowed him to have more creative input.

Reynolds reflected on the earlier years of his career when he often felt powerless on big-budget films, acknowledging that although actors in his position have some influence, he was rarely able to express his opinions on the direction of the projects. He recalled moments where he tried to suggest focusing more on character development rather than spectacle, but those ideas were often dismissed. This frustration led him to take a more hands-on approach, even if it meant the films might not succeed.

"I own the bomb," Reynolds said, explaining that he preferred to be the architect of his own success or failure rather than simply following the directions of others. His desire for control in filmmaking extends to future Deadpool movies, where he envisions the next installment as a complete experience rather than just another commercial for the franchise.

Reynolds also praised indie studio A24 for its approach to filmmaking, which prioritizes the creative vision of the filmmakers. He admired how the studio, known for its unique and critically acclaimed films, gives room for artistic expression, something he feels is often lost in larger studio productions.