Deadpool is one of the most successful comic book superhero movies of all time, breaking all sorts of records and allowing fans of the fourth-wall-breaking character to get to grips with a version of the hero that is arguably the best in existence. Ryan Reynolds is the actor behind the big screen role and has helped the film gain a whole slew of award nominations, picking up a nod for Best Adapted Screenplay from the Writer’s Guild and another for Best Picture from the PGA Awards.
Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool
However, when the nominations for this year’s Oscars were revealed, neither Deadpool nor Reynolds were anywhere to be seen, bringing the franchise’s awards buzz to a screeching halt.
Speaking to EW following a recent screening of his new movie Nocturnal Animals, actor Jake Gyllenhaal explained why he thinks the Academy Awards should also have recognised the film and Reynolds’ work. He said: “Ryan Reynolds in Deadpool. We talk about brilliant performances all the time, you know? The actors who tear themselves apart for their roles, which I’m a believer in. But then I look at Ryan Reynolds in Deadpool and I say, ‘No one can do that but him.’ That is truly, purely him. As an artist he struggled for several years to figure that out and it’s all there on the screen. And it’s brilliant.
“Sure it’s a comic book movie and it’s made a lot of money – but that doesn’t subtract from Ryan’s extraordinary work. Because it’s him. I mean, let’s ask ourselves: What else do we want from people who create? Something that is truly them.”
Gyllenhaal’s words further cement this role as the one that will likely define Reynolds’ career; no bad thing when you’ve got the majority of the world behind you, in love with your character.
Whilst the Oscars snub is likely disappointing for all involved, those behind the flick can take solace in the fact they’ve impressed on arguably every single level. There’s always the chance the franchise could be recognised in the future, of course…
Ryan Reynolds returns for Deadpool in the sequel, slated for release on January 12, 2018.
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