Ryan Reynolds is a Canadian actor, producer, and entrepreneur who has gained widespread recognition for his work in film and television. Known for his quick wit, charming demeanor, and versatility as an actor, Reynolds has appeared in a wide range of roles across various genres, including comedy, drama, and action.
Here are some of the top controversies associated with Ryan Reynolds:
Divorce from Scarlett Johansson:
Ryan Reynolds and Scarlett Johansson’s marriage and subsequent divorce garnered considerable media attention due to their status as high-profile celebrities. The couple, known for their respective careers in Hollywood, got married in September 2008 after a whirlwind romance. Their wedding ceremony was private and held in a remote wilderness retreat in British Columbia, Canada.
Throughout their marriage, Reynolds and Johansson maintained a relatively low public profile, with both of them being careful about sharing details of their personal lives with the media. However, as their marriage began to unravel, rumors and speculation about the state of their relationship started to surface in tabloids and gossip magazines.
In December 2010, Reynolds and Johansson announced their separation, releasing a joint statement to the press. They cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their split. Despite the relatively amicable tone of their statement, the divorce proceedings attracted intense media scrutiny, with tabloids speculating about the reasons behind the breakup and analyzing every aspect of their relationship.
The divorce was finalized in July 2011, officially ending their two-year marriage. Both Reynolds and Johansson have largely remained tight-lipped about the specifics of their divorce, choosing to keep the details private.
Since their divorce, both Reynolds and Johansson have moved on to new relationships. Reynolds married actress Blake Lively in 2012, and they have since become one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples. Johansson has been in a relationship with comedian Colin Jost, whom she married in 2020.
Green Lantern and Box Office Disappointment:
Ryan Reynolds was cast as the lead role, Hal Jordan, also known as the Green Lantern, in the film adaptation of the DC Comics character. The film was directed by Martin Campbell and had a budget estimated to be around $200 million, making it one of the most expensive superhero films at the time.
Film received largely negative reviews from critics. Many critics criticized the film for its weak screenplay, inconsistent tone, and overuse of CGI effects. Reynolds’ performance, while not heavily criticized, wasn’t enough to save the film from its other shortcomings. The film holds a score of only 26% on Rotten Tomatoes based on reviews from critics.
Despite a significant marketing campaign and high expectations from both the studio and fans, “Green Lantern” underperformed at the box office. The film grossed around $220 million worldwide, which was considered disappointing given its large budget and the popularity of the superhero genre at the time.
While Reynolds wasn’t directly blamed for the film’s failure, its poor reception and box office performance were undoubtedly a setback in his career, particularly in the realm of superhero films. “Green Lantern” failed to launch the intended franchise, and Reynolds’ portrayal of Hal Jordan was largely overshadowed by the film’s flaws.
Sexual Assault Allegations Against Director:
In 2018, during the height of the #MeToo movement, Reynolds faced some backlash due to his involvement in the film “Deadpool 2.” The film was directed by Tim Miller, who had faced allegations of sexual assault and harassment. Some critics questioned Reynolds’ decision to continue working with Miller despite the allegations against him, leading to discussions about accountability in Hollywood.
Controversial Advertisements:
In 2019, Ryan Reynolds starred in a commercial for a luxury brand that was criticized for being tone-deaf and out of touch with reality. The commercial depicted Reynolds as a wealthy individual who seemingly had everything money could buy, including expensive cars, private jets, and extravagant parties. Critics argued that the ad glamorized wealth and promoted a superficial lifestyle that was unattainable for the average person. Many viewers found the commercial to be insensitive, particularly considering the growing wealth inequality and economic struggles faced by many people around the world.
Reynolds is also known for his advertisements for Aviation American Gin, a brand of gin that he owns a stake in. While these advertisements have generally been well-received for their humor and creativity, some have attracted criticism for promoting excessive drinking and irresponsible behavior. For example, one advertisement featured Reynolds humorously endorsing the gin while engaging in various antics, such as crashing a wedding and interrupting a meditation session. While intended to be lighthearted and entertaining, some viewers felt that the ads trivialized the serious consequences of alcohol misuse and encouraged reckless behavior.
Social Media Posts and Comments:
Here are a few instances where Ryan Reynolds faced criticism for his social media posts or comments:
In 2015, after musicians Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert announced their divorce, Reynolds tweeted, “If there’s ever a fire, I’m grabbing my dog, my iPhone, and I’m leaving my goddamn house. Deal with it.” While intended as a joke, some found it insensitive given the timing of the breakup news.
In 2018, Reynolds posted a photo on social media of himself in a Halloween costume with his wife, Blake Lively. The costume depicted them as characters from the movie “Full Metal Jacket,” with Reynolds dressed as the film’s main character, who is a soldier. The choice of costume was criticized as insensitive, given the serious nature of the subject matter and the ongoing issues surrounding military veterans’ mental health.
In 2018, a tweet from Reynolds’ past resurfaced on social media. The tweet, posted in 2011, joked about the “Four Loko” alcoholic beverage, stating, “Four Loko: the official sponsor of ‘Getting and waking up in a bathtub with all your possessions gone.'” Some users found the joke tasteless and criticized Reynolds for making light of substance abuse.
While hosting the Tony Awards in 2018, Reynolds made a joke about the musical “Frozen” and its star, Idina Menzel. He said, “You ever talk to someone so beautiful, and all you hear is that sound from ‘Frozen’?” while making a high-pitched squeaking noise. Some viewers found the joke disrespectful towards Menzel and criticized Reynolds for his delivery.
Overall, while Ryan Reynolds has had his share of controversies, they have not been as significant or damaging to his career as those of some other celebrities. He has managed to maintain a largely positive public image and continues to be a popular and respected figure in the entertainment industry.
