At the 2025 Time100 Summit, Ryan Reynolds offered an honest and insightful look at his journey through Hollywood, entrepreneurship, and personal growth — all while teasing an exciting new ensemble project in the works.
Reflecting on the widely panned 2011 film Green Lantern, Reynolds didn’t shy away from the lessons it taught him. “I learned all the most amazing lessons I could ever have in the creative space from that movie,” he shared, pointing to the value of authentic dialogue over costly spectacle. “Why don’t we write a scene the way people would talk?” he said, hinting at how real conversations can often create more powerful moments than flashy visuals.
Reynolds emphasized his now deeply rooted belief in “character over spectacle,” which has become a creative north star for him. He credited self-awareness as the real superpower in his life, both professionally and personally. “Knowing who I am” has helped him steer clear of misaligned roles and projects and focus on stories that resonate.
As the founder of Maximum Effort, Reynolds has produced massive hits like Deadpool, Free Guy, IF, and Shotgun Wedding. His most recent release, Deadpool & Wolverine (July 2024), shattered records to become the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
He also looked back on his earlier missteps, including 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine, where Deadpool's portrayal was heavily criticized. Reynolds turned that low point into a launchpad. “The whole movie was an allegory for Disney buying Fox,” he said humorously, adding that the thrills of surprising audiences are what continue to drive him. “That feeling of gasp — it’s a feeling that I just want more of.”
Perhaps most excitingly, Reynolds revealed that he's currently writing a new ensemble project, though he didn’t give away much beyond calling it "a little something." It marks yet another step in his evolution from actor to multi-hyphenate storyteller and business leader.
He also shared a personal highlight: his wife, Blake Lively, has been named to the 2025 Time100 list, and the couple will attend the Time100 Gala on Thursday.
From Green Lantern to Deadpool to entrepreneurial ventures, Reynolds continues to prove that resilience, authenticity, and creative risk-taking can pay off, with a little bit of humor along the way.
