Ryan Reynolds has responded to online criticism surrounding his pairing with Andrew Garfield for season 21 of Variety’s Actors on Actors series. The pairing of the two actors sparked a mixed reaction on social media, with some users questioning the decision due to the contrast in their acting styles and the roles they are best known for.
Social Media Criticism
The announcement of the pairing created waves across platforms, with several users expressing doubts about the choice. Critics highlighted the stark difference between Garfield’s acclaimed performance in We Live in Time and Reynolds’ comedic portrayal as Deadpool in the popular Marvel franchise. One viral post summed up the criticism, stating, “Andrew Garfield talking about playing a husband and father whose wife decides to forgo cancer treatment, and Ryan Reynolds talking about playing Deadpool.”
This comment encapsulated the sentiment that the pairing was a mismatch, with some feeling that Garfield’s more serious and emotional roles contrasted sharply with Reynolds’ comedic reputation.
Reynolds Responds to Critics
In response to the backlash, Ryan Reynolds took to social media to defend the decision and address the criticism head-on. He started by complimenting Garfield’s acting in We Live in Time, calling him a “genius” and praising his portrayal of a man coping with profound emotional struggles. Reynolds also shared his admiration for the chemistry between Garfield and his co-star Florence Pugh, describing their on-screen dynamic as “magic together” and noting that their performance was both “heartbreaking and charming.”
Reynolds then shifted the conversation to defend the comedy genre. In his post, he acknowledged the challenges of dramatic roles but also emphasized that comedy, though often perceived as lighter, is equally demanding. He stated, “Yes, I am Deadpool, BUT I will take a second and speak up in defense of comedy. Dramatic work is difficult…we’re also meant to SEE it’s difficult, which is one of the reasons it feels visceral and effective.” He added that comedy, by contrast, is meant to appear effortless, even though it requires a great deal of skill and precision.
Parallels Between Drama and Comedy
Reynolds went on to draw parallels between dramatic and comedic performances, arguing that both genres are deeply rooted in emotion and depend on tension. He pointed out that both thrive on subverting expectations and are fundamentally subjective, relying on real emotions to resonate with the audience. According to Reynolds, the emotional depth in both genres is what makes them effective and compelling.
The actor also spoke about how both comedy and drama have their unique challenges but ultimately share the same goal: to create powerful, impactful performances that resonate with viewers.
Public Reaction
Reynolds’ response to the criticism garnered support from many social media users. One fan wrote, “You go on with another actor to talk about your acting experiences/things you’ve been in. It’s not a competition; it’s just two actors appreciating one another’s work while promoting their own.” Another commented, “Thoughtfully expressed. People don’t understand how difficult putting together a work of art is.” These comments echoed the sentiment that the Actors on Actors series is not meant to create a competitive environment but rather to celebrate the craft of acting and the work of both performers.
Ongoing Debate
Despite the support, some users suggested that Reynolds’ decision to address the critics may have been unnecessary. They argued that his post was a response to individuals trying to stir controversy and provoke a reaction. However, the actor’s defense of comedy and his thoughtful reflection on the acting craft brought further attention to the topic and sparked important discussions about the value of both dramatic and comedic performances.
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Source: Variety
