Deadpool star hints at the real reason blockbusters don’t have many gay characters
Ryan Reynolds has hinted that major US film studios avoid putting gay characters in blockbusters due to fears of alienating overseas audiences.
The actor last year made his debut as pansexual superhero Deadpool, smashing box office records for an adult-rated film with the comedic take on superhero movies.
Deadpool was the first non-heterosexual superhero to get his own standalone film, and was shown flirting indistinctly with both men and women. The comic book character is said to “do anything with a pulse”, while Tim Miller and Reynolds have described their version of the character as “pansexual”.
Speaking to Variety this week, Reynolds suggested there would not be much resistance to giving the character gay sex scenes in the upcoming sequel – because the film was already banned in China over its vulgar content.
Asked about fears that a gay storyline could alienate overseas audiences, Reynolds replied: “That’s not really a problem for us, because we were banned in China. We were rated ‘f**k you!’ in China.
“I think [his interest in men] could be played up more. He’s an outsider in every way, shape, and form.”
Deadpool was denied a release by China’s State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT), citing graphic violence, nudity, and bad language.
Reynolds added that the only barrier to a same-sex romance in the sequel would be the character’s love for his current girlfriend.
He said: “The only thing that you have to consider going forward is, ‘Are we being faithful to the canon that we nurtured and created?’
“One of those things is that Deadpool is in love with Vanessa. Deadpool isn’t in love with Vanessa just because she’s a woman.
“He’s in love with Vanessa because he loves her.”
Screenwriter Rhett Reese added: “Most comic book heroes have been heterosexual or homosexual. We find that interesting and groundbreaking. I hope it can evolve into something a little more.”
