Ryan Reynolds would ‘love’ to explore Deadpool’s sexuality

Ryan Reynolds has said he would “love” to explore his character Deadpool’s sexuality more in future films.

The R-rated superhero franchise became the first to feature out LGBT characters on the big screen, with Deadpool 2 revealing that Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand) is a lesbian and introducing her girlfriend Yukio (Shioli Kutsuna).

But star Ryan Reynolds is hoping to go further, and explore the lead character’s sexuality too, with Reynolds and Deadpool 1 director Tim Miller having previously described Deadpool as pansexual.

Ryan Reynolds attends a ‘Deadpool 2’ photocall (Carlos Alvarez/Getty)

Speaking during a Q&A at Comic-Con San Diego, Reynolds said: “I certainly think that this universe needs to represent and reflect the world in very real ways.

“The great thing about Deadpool is that we’re allowed to do things that other superhero movies don’t necessarily do.

“It’s something that I’d love to see more of, certainly through Wade, certainly through this universe because it’s something that we’re building out more.”

Fans have speculated that the R-rated Deadpool, which is already banned in many overseas conservative markets due to its violent and sexual content, had less reason to worry about abiding by international censorship standards on gay content than the Marvel Cinematic Universe films.

Reynolds previously confirmed as much, saying of his own character’s sexuality: “That’s not really a problem for us, because we were banned in China. We were rated ‘f**k you!’ in China.

“I think [Deadpool’s sexual interest in men] could be played up more. He’s an outsider in every way, shape, and form.”

Ryan Reynolds (ANGELA WEISS/AFP/Getty Images)

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.

By contrast, MCU films routinely rely on global releases, including in countries where film censors do not permit depictions of homosexuality.

Deadpool 2 director David Leitch previously said the film was reflecting reality by including gay characters.

He said: “[It wasn’t] a statement we were trying to make… I never really thought of it that way.

“It just felt natural to the material. I’m glad that it is [breaking ground]. I think that I’m really glad that it doesn’t feel like it’s groundbreaking. Maybe we’ve come to a place in society where that just feels natural.”

Writers Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese agreed.

Wernick said: “It’s everyday life… we ground Deadpool in real life. As outrageous as it is, Deadpool is a very, very grounded movie.”

Reese added: “We didn’t want to make too big a deal of it.”

The film was singled out for praise by LGBT media monitor GLAAD.

Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD President and CEO, said: “20th Century Fox have finally given countless moviegoers around the world what they’ve longed to see- LGBTQ superheroes in a relationship who protect the world together.

“Negasonic and Yukio’s storyline is a milestone in a genre that too often renders LGBTQ people invisible, and should send a message to other studios to follow this example of inclusive and smart storytelling.”

• Dec 31 2024

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