Ryan Reynolds reacts to Deadpool VR casting change with humor, addressing the big news that Neil Patrick Harris will voice Deadpool in the upcoming Meta Quest 3 game. The transition marks a notable shift as Harris steps into the shoes of Marvel’s popular anti-hero for the first-ever virtual reality experience, drawing playful commentary from Reynolds himself.
Ryan Reynolds Offers His Take on Deadpool’s New Voice
Fans have long associated Ryan Reynolds with the character of Deadpool, but Marvel’s Deadpool VR intends to provide a fresh perspective by casting Neil Patrick Harris as the Merc with a Mouth. Reynolds responded publicly to this recasting, releasing a YouTube video where his comedic take centers on being “replaced” in his signature role. The video blends Reynolds’ characteristic humor and the Deadpool persona, offering viewers a blend of parody and playful self-reflection as he copes with the new direction for the game.
As the video unfolds, Reynolds, portrayed as a somewhat jaded doctor, is seen composing a typed journal filled with jokes and exaggerated frustration over the casting news. The tone is unmistakably tongue-in-cheek, with his
“Personal Journal of Steal Patrick Fartface”
and similar playful jabs illustrating his signature irreverence. Viewers watch Reynolds sigh at the sight of a Meta Quest 3 headset and confront his mixed sentiments about the transition. He writes that he does not fault the company for casting Harris and asserts Harris’ strengths as an actor.
People who steal your signature role are the biggest buttholes of all.
—Ryan Reynolds, Actor
Neil Patrick Harris is an amazing actor with the nurturing voice of an angel,
—Ryan Reynolds, Actor
The short video includes a comedic scene between Reynolds and his girlfriend and then shifts to action-packed gameplay footage from Marvel’s Deadpool VR. In typical meta fashion, the video ends with a joke blurring the line between character and reality, highlighting the irreverent style fans expect from Reynolds and from Deadpool himself.
Two Distinct Talents Tackle an Iconic Character
Deadpool has become a defining role for Ryan Reynolds, for whom the character represents both professional success and creative engagement—he is also credited as a writer for the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine. Despite online discussions speculating whether this might be a “replacement,” this move is intended to expand the character’s presence beyond just the films, not to supplant Reynolds’ version. The cinematic Deadpool remains central to the Marvel universe with another film in development and rumors of appearances in future Avengers releases.
The choice to bring Neil Patrick Harris into Deadpool VR is viewed as an evolution for the character, showcasing Marvel’s willingness to experiment with different formats and talents. Reynolds, with his playful acceptance in the video, signals a positive transition and an openness for fans to experience yet another interpretation of the beloved anti-hero. Harris, widely recognized for his dynamic stage and screen performances, adds his own flair to the VR incarnation, and Reynolds extends his approval, reinforcing camaraderie among artists and entertainers.
Marvel’s Deadpool VR will release later this year as an exclusive title for the Meta Quest 3. The reaction from fans and the broader Marvel audience remains to be seen, but the passing of the vocal baton suggests new dimensions for the Deadpool legacy both in gaming and storytelling. Audiences now look forward to hearing Harris’ take, with Reynolds’ comedic endorsement adding anticipation for the virtual adventure ahead.
