Ryan Reynolds Calls Comedic Acting ‘Extremely Challenging’

Ryan Reynolds has come to the defense of comedic acting, describing it as an extremely challenging craft. His remarks follow a social media user’s critique questioning his inclusion in Variety’s “Actors on Actors” series, where he was compared to Andrew Garfield, whose role involves deep dramatic themes of family and illness. The user suggested a disconnect between Reynolds’ portrayal of the comic book character Deadpool and Garfield’s more serious performances.

Reynolds, 48, took to social media to articulate his views on the intricacies of both comedic and dramatic acting. He began by giving a nod to Garfield’s talent, expressing admiration for both him and Florence Pugh, stating that their performances in “We Live in Time” are a blend of heart and charm, delivered with remarkable emotional depth.

While acknowledging the undeniable difficulty of dramatic roles, Reynolds asserted that comedic acting carries its own set of challenges. “Comedy is also very difficult,” he noted, explaining that it is designed to appear effortless, with the nuances meticulously hidden. He emphasized that both comedic and dramatic performances share fundamental elements; they thrive on tension, subverting audience expectations, and are underpinned by genuine emotion.

Reynolds’ reflection resonated with many on social media. Enthusiasts of comedy chimed in, highlighting the intellectual rigor behind crafting humor while still making it look easy. Another user echoed his sentiments, affirming that both genres merit equal respect.

The upcoming interview featuring Reynolds and Garfield marks the start of a new installment of Variety’s “Actors on Actors,” with other notable pairings like Ariana Grande with Paul Mescal and Angelina Jolie with Cynthia Erivo.

In addition to discussing acting, Reynolds and his long-time friend Hugh Jackman have continued to collaborate, recently releasing “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which achieved significant box office success, grossing over a billion dollars worldwide. Following their superhero adventure, Reynolds revealed his plan to work on a new project with Jackman and director Shawn Levy that shifts away from the Marvel universe entirely.

As the landscape of film continues to evolve, Reynolds remains an outspoken advocate for the complexities involved in both comedy and drama, asserting that both play critical roles in the fabric of storytelling.