Ryan Reynolds Finally Admitted That He Leaked The Deadpool Footage Years Ago, And His Take On Doing It Was So Worth The Wait

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For almost ten years, there was an unsolved secret in the realm of comic book films: who released the Deadpool test footage that initiated the series? This puzzle left even Kevin Feige, head of Marvel Studios, scratching his head. However, the franchise’s leading actor, Ryan Reynolds, has finally put the mystery to rest by revealing that it was indeed he who leaked the video in 2014. This bold move sparked one of the most unexpected superhero movie franchises in contemporary cinema, opening doors for Deadpool to officially become a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And as it turns out, Reynolds’ explanation was well worth the anticipation.

During an interview at TIFF’s “In Conversation With…” series, as reported by Entertainment Weekly, Reynolds openly acknowledged that the character’s fate, as well as his own, was significantly altered due to a strategic decision he made. In his words, “The leak represented a calculated risk that ultimately changed both the character’s and my own destinies.

Indeed, I took a small shortcut, yet it seemed intriguing enough for others to appreciate. I’m thankful I followed my intuition in this instance, even if it led me astray at that particular moment.

The Golden Globe-nominated actor navigated the dilemma that led up to the film’s release. Director Tim Miller’s test footage of the movie had been stored away while the studio hesitated to support an R-rated comic book film featuring a less mainstream antihero. Reynolds was captivated by the character’s self-aware, breaking-the-fourth-wall personality and felt that the footage demonstrated its potential for success on a grander stage. As he remembered:

– Or –

The award-winning actor handled the predicament causing the film’s release. Director Tim Miller’s test footage had been kept aside as the studio hesitated to invest in an R-rated comic book movie with a less famous antihero. Reynolds admired the character’s witty, self-aware demeanor and thought that the footage clearly demonstrated its potential on a larger scale. As he recounted:

Previously, I had filmed some trial footage for it about two years back, but unfortunately, the studio wasn’t interested in pursuing it. Deadpool is an unconventional character, and many people were unfamiliar with him at that time. However, my admiration for him was immense, bordering on obsession. I appreciated that he was aware he was part of a comic book movie, which added a layer of self-awareness and novelty to the character. The test footage was there, serving as an example of its potential success, but despite this, they chose not to take any action with it.

The Canadian actor, known for portraying a character in red spandex, followed suit by taking action himself, as his character often does with a touch of his characteristic playfulness. He then shared his reaction upon seeing the online footage.

Initially, someone posts it on the web without my consent, and I find myself staring at my reflection while brushing my teeth, thinking something along the lines of, “Man, what have you just done? That could potentially lead to legal consequences!” However, the internet’s influence ultimately pressured the studio into announcing, “We’re going to produce this movie.” Amazingly, within 24 hours, that movie had been given the go-ahead.

In no time at all, the gamble proved successful. The internet buzzed with excitement, prompting a quick change of direction from the studio. By the end of the day, Deadpool had received approval. Since then, the tale of this foul-mouthed hero’s journey to the silver screen has been etched into modern superhero legend. Frankly, I’ve been eager to learn this story for a while, and it certainly didn’t fail to impress.

In 2016, the first film featuring the katana-wielding smart-aleck hero was launched, transforming a modest investment into an unprecedented box office sensation, generating over $780 million globally on approximately $58 million in production expenses. This blockbuster success served as clear evidence that an adult-oriented comedy-meets-chaos superhero movie could resonate strongly with a vast audience. Its triumph significantly influenced the X-Men universe, spawned a successful spinoff series, and paved the way for large-scale R-rated comic book storytelling.

Disney+ offers an ad-supported plan starting at $9.99 per month, allowing viewers to enjoy the Deadpool franchise and other content. This plan features bloody, hilarious, and profane adventures from the character. For those who prefer an ad-free experience, it’s available for $15.99 a month. To save 16%, opt for pre-paying $159.99 for a yearlong subscription – what a deal!

As a die-hard movie fan, let me tell you, things took off like a rocket for the Deadpool franchise after the first movie. In 2018, Deadpool 2 managed to outshine its predecessor’s global earnings, and with Deadpool & Wolverine now streaming on Disney+, it’s sitting pretty as the highest-grossing R-rated film ever, raking in an impressive $1.338 billion worldwide. This just goes to show that the character once thought of as a fringe element has truly earned its place as a box-office kingpin!

Ryan Reynolds, known for his humor, hinted at his participation for many years yet never fully admitted it. He joked about not being the leaker, celebrated the anniversary of the leak on social media, and told Vanity Fair’s lie detector that he might have “assisted.” Finally, during TIFF, he confirmed the speculations. More than a decade later, thanks to Reynolds’ risk, we’re now discussing if the chimichanga enthusiast could make an appearance in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, a conversation that wouldn’t have happened without the leaked test footage.

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2025-09-07 19:24