Ryan Reynolds’ film, The Hitman’s Bodyguard, starring alongside Samuel L. Jackson, has surged in popularity on Netflix in the United States as it nears its tenth anniversary. The 2017 action movie follows Michael Bryce (Reynolds), a security agent assigned to protect Darius Kincaid (Jackson), one of the world’s deadliest assassins. Both The Hitman’s Bodyguard and its sequel, Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, began streaming on Netflix earlier this month, quickly climbing into the platform’s top 10 list. Despite mixed critical reviews—44% from critics and 67% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes—the original film earned $183 million worldwide, against a modest $30 million production budget.
Background on the Film’s Success and Sequel Development
In a 2021 interview with PopCulture, Ryan Reynolds expressed surprise that The Hitman’s Bodyguard managed to earn a sequel, calling the original film a “Hail Mary” effort. The movie’s unexpected box office success, grossing six times its budget, made creating a follow-up an obvious choice. Meanwhile, the sequel’s production costs more than doubled, and it earned less than half the original’s box office income, which may have altered Lionsgate’s enthusiasm for further installments. Both films were directed by Patrick Hughes with screenplay contributions from Tom O’Connor, while Phillip and Brandon Murphy assisted on the sequel. Notably, Hughes also directed Jason Statham in The Expendables 3 in 2014.
Speculation Regarding Ryan Reynolds’ Future as Deadpool
While there is no official confirmation that Ryan Reynolds will resume his role as Deadpool, industry observers expect his return to this character in some form. Reynolds was absent from the Avengers: Doomsday casting announcement, but that does not exclude his involvement, as Benedict Cumberbatch, also not pictured with a chair, has openly discussed his role in the film. Following the success of Deadpool and Wolverine, Marvel is likely to find additional ways to feature Reynolds’ popular character, The Merc With a Mouth.
The Hitman Franchise’s Impact and Netflix Streaming Success
The Hitman’s Bodyguard and its sequel remain among Netflix’s most-watched movies, drawing renewed attention to the franchise and Ryan Reynolds’ diverse body of work. Fans can anticipate further updates regarding Reynolds’ upcoming projects and streaming developments as his profile continues to rise on digital platforms.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Ryan Reynolds’s religion?
A. Reynolds is Irish and grew up in a Catholic family in Vancouver’s Kitsilano area and Vanier, Ontario, now in Ottawa. He began his acting career at 13.
Q. Does Ryan Reynolds have 4 daughters?
A. Ryan Reynolds and his wife, Blake Lively, have four kids: James (9), Inez (8), Betty (5), and their youngest, a 22-month-old son named Olin. Reynolds jokes that their family outings are not as perfectly planned as one might imagine.
