Actor Ryan Reynolds has ignited widespread controversy online after revealing that he persuaded his daughter to recite a sexually explicit line in the movie _Deadpool & Wolverine_. This revelation came during the recording of a commentary track for the film with director Shawn Levy. In a scene where a young character interacts with Reynolds’ Deadpool, the line in question was, “Hey, when I want your opinion, I’ll take Wolverine’s d*** out of your mouth.” Reynolds disclosed that his daughter, Inez, is the one delivering the shocking line, causing an uproar on social media.
Initially, Inez, who was seven years old at the time, was reluctant to deliver the line. Reynolds mentioned how she changed her mind upon realizing he was considering others for the role. “I am father of the year over here for allowing her to say such language, which, to her credit, she really didn’t want to say. And then she came back later and said: ‘I want to say it now,’ when I started looking at other people to play it,” Reynolds confessed during the commentary. Shawn Levy apologized during the recording for inadvertently making this admission public.
The social media backlash was swift and intense, with many calling Reynolds’ decision inappropriate. “There’s no reason she needed to deliver that line herself. It’s a character with a mask and no visible mouth; it could easily have been dubbed over,” expressed one user on Reddit. Another chimed in, “Or just remove the line completely. If a comedy writer can’t make an equally funny line that an actor feels comfortable saying maybe they shouldn’t be a writer.”
Voices of disapproval also emerged from parents and fans alike. One person stated, “She’s the same age as my kid. I couldn’t imagine ANYTHING that would 1. get me to do this to my kid (or any kid) or 2. would be okay with my husband having done it.” Others mirrored the sentiment, emphasizing the unacceptable nature of involving a child in such a manner, calling it “disgusting and violating.”
Critics further questioned the necessity of the line, with comments such as, “If it was just swearing, that’s one thing but an outright sexual reference? That’s gross and unnecessary. You could’ve gotten an adult to sound like a child to deliver this line.” Another voice expressed disdain, “What is wrong with these people. To think that’s a funny little anecdote is grim beyond belief.” The matter has sparked a debate on appropriate boundaries and the professional responsibilities involved when working with child actors.
As the backlash continues to mount, Page Six has reached out to Reynolds and his wife, Blake Lively, for a comment. However, they have yet to respond to the criticism. The controversy surrounding Reynolds has added a cloud over his recent success with _Deadpool and Wolverine_, which premiered on July 26 last year. The film marks Deadpool’s much-anticipated entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, featuring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in the lead roles. Directed by Shawn Levy, this installment brought beloved characters from Fox’s Marvel lineup into the Disney-owned franchise, grossing over $1.3 billion worldwide.
While the film’s commercial success reflects its widespread appeal, this recent controversy has prompted a larger discussion about the ethical considerations in filmmaking, particularly when involving minors. The incident underscores the significant impact words can have and raises pertinent questions about what actions may follow in terms of industry practices and parental involvement in show business. As Reynolds faces this public fallout, the future may hold changes in how such sensitive situations are handled, aiming to protect young performers in the entertainment industry.
