‘I Had to Let Go of a Beloved Idea’

Ryan Reynolds faced a tough decision when he had to cut Rob McElhenney’s cameo from “Deadpool & Wolverine”. The actor, who co-owns the Wrexham football club with McElhenney, expressed his regret as McElhenney had traveled all the way to London to film the scene. The scenes that were shot featured McElhenney as a Time Variance Authority soldier but they didn’t make it to the final cut. Reynolds is hopeful that these scenes will be included in the digital extras of the movie.

“While editing a movie, they say you ‘sometimes have to kill your darlings.’ And with a heavy heart (and through great outside intervention) I had to kill a darling with this cameo,” Reynolds wrote on Instagram, sharing photos of McElhenney in character on set.

Reynolds explained that the sequence was not working as initially planned, but McElhenney’s presence made it difficult to remove. “Rob was the only reason it stayed in the cut for as long as it did, because even under a TVA mask and helmet, you can feel him smoldering with a raw and almost infinite reservoir of talent, writerly wit, and ‘I create hit TV shows’ swagger. Don’t even get me started on Wrexham. I wouldn’t know a love like Wrexham if it weren’t for Rob McElhenney.”

Reynolds continued, expressing his stress while making the movie and the expectations around it. “Anyway, I loved making this movie but it wasn’t without stress,” said Reynolds. “There was a lot of expectation — and I’m pretty sure the most well-written villain in cinema history is ‘Expectation.’ And when you do stressful stuff, it feels good when friends are nearby. And even though I’m mortified he flew all the way to London for a cameo that wasn’t meant to be, I’m grateful my friend was there with me on that set. When I see Rob, my heart-rate slows and my nervous system stops yelling at me. He shows up for people. And he showed up for me.”

Despite McElhenney’s scene not making it to the final cut, “Deadpool & Wolverine” still features several surprise cameos. Among these are Channing Tatum as Gambit, Wesley Snipes as Blade, Jennifer Garner as Elektra, and Chris Evans as Johnny Storm. These cameos have played a significant role in the film’s success, helping “Deadpool & Wolverine” become the highest-grossing R-rated movie in history with $1.15 billion and counting.

“Deadpool & Wolverine” is currently playing in theaters nationwide.

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