After the record-breaking success of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman fans have something new to look forward to. Reynolds is working on a film — unrelated to Marvel — which will have him teaming up again with co-star Jackman and director Shawn Levy. Reynolds shared his plans during a recent interview for a Variety Awards Circuit Podcast episode, which is set to be released later this week.
“I’m spending the year writing,” Reynolds said during the podcast. “I’m writing a movie for myself, Hugh [Jackman] and Shawn [Levy] to do that is not Marvel.”
Read: You can see all Academy Award predictions in all 23 categories on one page on the Variety Awards Circuit: Oscars.
Although the actor kept plot details under wraps, his enthusiasm hinted at something fresh and unexpected, which he will work on over the next 12 months. It’s unknown whether it’s a project that a studio has given the green light. Still, given the explosive popularity of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” this upcoming film will surely become one of Hollywood’s most highly anticipated films.
This project will mark Reynolds’ third collaboration with Levy. Following the action-packed “Deadpool 3,” the duo previously joined forces on 2021’s crowd-pleasing action comedy “Free Guy” and the time-bending sci-fi adventure “The Adam Project.” Their shared track record for creating box office gold has fostered a strong creative chemistry, with Levy bringing out Reynolds’ comedic energy and memorable performances.
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’
©Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett Collection
The numbers alone speak volumes about their success. “Deadpool & Wolverine” has become a box office behemoth, pulling in an astounding $636 million domestically and securing its place as the 12th highest-grossing film in history. It now sits just behind Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” and ahead of Warner Bros.’ summer sensation “Barbie.” It’s also surpassed the 2019 thriller “Joker” to become the highest-grossing R-rated film ever. And among Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe juggernauts, “Deadpool 3” claims the seventh spot, having recently overtaken “Iron Man 3” globally.
Disney is eyeing awards season for the smash hit, pushing for Golden Globes recognition as a comedy and the newly introduced cinematic and box office achievement categories, highlighting its financial successes. To qualify, films must exceed a $150 million gross globally, with a minimum of $100 million in the U.S. alone, or meet comparable streaming metrics.
Oscars attention may also be in the cards, as “Deadpool & Wolverine” seeks technical nods in categories like production design, sound and visual effects. The campaign could even do better than the original “Deadpool” (2016), which earned Golden Globe noms for best motion picture (musical or comedy) and best actor for Reynolds, along with notable mentions from industry guilds like the Directors Guild of America, Writers Guild of America and Producers Guild of America.
Reynolds, fresh off his second consecutive Primetime Emmy win for the popular docuseries “Welcome to Wrexham,” continues to build a multifaceted career that balances commercial hits with critical acclaim. Jackman received his first Oscar nomination and first Golden Globe win for his musical turn as Jean Valjean in “Les Misérables.” Meanwhile, Levy received his first Oscar bid as a producer on Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi thriller “Arrival” (2016) and has garnered four Emmy nods for his work on Netflix’s hit series “Stranger Things.”
With Reynolds’ writing in progress and Levy and Jackman on board, this untitled project is already one to watch.
