Back When Ryan Reynolds’ Bold ‘Deadpool 2’ Concept Had to Battle Reality TV Franchise

Published 04/01/2024, 2:10 AM EDT

A decade ago, the Deadpool franchise hit rock bottom after the disastrous flop of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, leaving its future hanging by a thread. Yet, against all odds, Ryan Reynolds managed to turn the tables, transforming Deadpool from a relatively unknown character into the star of a blockbuster R-rated movie that smashed records. Reynolds' determination and vision proved that unconventional superhero flicks could defy expectations and strike gold at the box office.

While not all of Reynolds' off-the-wall concepts made it to the final cut, the original pitch for Deadpool 2 envisioned the irreverent anti-hero facing off against opponents from a popular reality TV franchise.

Unveiling Ryan Reynolds' unseen Deadpool 2 concepts

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While still delivering the trademark humor and action-packed thrills, Deadpool 2 added a touch of heart to the mix. Originally, Ryan Reynolds had a wild idea involving Deadpool trying to snatch a prized chair from The Voice, complete with celebrity cameos and cheeky commentary on the entertainment industry. Though the concept did not make the final cut, it mirrored the character's penchant for breaking boundaries and poking fun at popular culture, showcasing Reynolds' knack for inventive storytelling and comedic flair.

Despite Reynolds' pitch being rejected by 20th Century Fox, early versions of the Deadpool 2 script boasted celebrity cameos from the likes of Blake Shelton and winners from The Voice. Reynolds, a prominent figure in entertainment, aimed to poke fun at himself by including other celebrities while tapping into The Voice's popularity for potential marketing synergy. However, apart from Brad Pitt's request for a cameo, Deadpool 2 took a different turn from its predecessor. It focused on the aftermath of the Merc with a Mouth's adventures as an established superhero. 

How Ryan Reynolds Had 2 Separate References for Holmes Siblings Henry Cavill and Millie Bobby Brown’s Characters in ‘Deadpool 2’

Despite the idea for The Voice not making the cut, Deadpool 2's success was bolstered by its reliance on key characters.

Character-centric triumph: Deadpool 2's winning formula

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In the world of Deadpool, Ryan Reynolds' comedic genius knew no bounds, yet even the most entertaining antics had their limits. While the first film found its stride by weaving a tale of self-discovery amid the chaos, it was the depth of character development that truly set it apart in the superhero realm of the 2010s. Though the witty quips and cultural nods added spice to the mix, they could not overshadow the core essence of the story's emotional journey, making Deadpool a standout amidst the caped crusaders of the silver screen.

In Deadpool 2, however, the sequel flipped the script, diving deep into the vast universe of the X-Men franchise with finesse. By assembling the X-Force and bringing iconic mutants like Cable and Domino into the fold, the film struck a perfect balance between satire and sincerity, appealing to comic book aficionados while keeping the humor fresh and engaging. This strategic move catapulted Deadpool 2 beyond the realm of mere celebrity cameos.

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Did You Know Ryan Reynolds Featured Taylor Swift’s Famous Cat Babies in ‘Deadpool 2’, Just Like the Singer Does for His Kids?

Did you know about this plot twist in Deadpool 2? Let us know in the comments below.

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Riva Khan

735 articles

Riva Khan is an entertainment reporter at NetflixJunkie. Given her love for the language and writing, she has honed her narrative skills from a young age. She loves her latest tea in Hollywood and keeps an eye on the news.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

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