The Heartbreaking Catalyst to Ryan Reynolds’ Comedic Nature
Ryan Reynolds is widely known as the face behind Deadpool, and now, the voice behind the beloved Pikachu (talk about big little shoes to fill). Portraying Deadpool with a highly sarcastic flair and belittling disposition, the actor has become one with the famous anti-hero he portrays on-screen. While much less condescending in real life, Ryan Reynolds does boast quite the facetious sense of humor.
From his back-and-forth banter with wife Blake Lively to his social media jokes made at the expense of his innocent, young children, Ryan Reynolds’ tendency for quick-witted, albeit a bit dark humor is always on display. During interviews, he takes every opportunity to crack a joke, just as his latex counterpart does during fight sequences.
Fans find it amusing to listen to Ryan Reynolds, as his deadpan delivery is priceless; however, the source of his comedic tendency is a bit upsetting. As with many comedic individuals, this defining character quality comes from a darker place.
Ryan Reynolds sat down with The New York Times to discuss Deadpool, his lifelong battle with anxiety, and why he possesses an innate tendency to “turn on this knucklehead” persona, as he puts it, for certain situations (interviews normally being one of the many settings that inspire this side of him to emerge).
Ryan Reynolds on dealing with anxiety
As someone who has been opened about his struggles with anxiety in the past, Ryan Reynolds had no qualms about discussing the nerves that come over him before talk-show appearances, promotional interviews, etc. When asked how he handles the anxiety, Reynolds told The New York Times:
“When the curtain opens, I turn on this knucklehead, and he kind of takes over and goes away again once I walk off set. That’s that great self-defense mechanism. I figure if you’re going to jump off a cliff, you might as well fly.”
Earlier in the interview, Reynolds explained that he learned this self-defense mechanism as a child. Though harboring no negative feelings towards his father, Ryan Reynolds revealed that his childhood, under his father’s roof, was no walk in the park.
Ryan Reynolds talks self-defense mechanisms learned as a child
Ryan Reynolds stated that his father was “the stress dispensary in [their] house.” So, as a result, Reynolds often found himself trying to do all he could to maintain peace. Whether that be by mowing the lawn or keeping the house clean, Reynolds was suddenly taking on responsibilities that weren’t necessarily his to take on.
According to The New York Times, Ryan Reynolds’ father also introduced him to comedic legends like Buster Keaton and Jack Benny. Between watching iconic comedians and maintaining the status quo in the household, Reynolds learned what it meant to listen closely and favor absurdity over tragedy. If he grew up in a more typical, placid household, he feels he would not be where he is today.
While Ryan Reynolds may not have had the most favorable childhood, he does not look back on his past with anger or regret; rather, he sees his childhood as an early catalyst for the man he would grow up to be.
Ryan Reynolds in ‘Pokémon: Detective Pikachu’ and beyond
You can currently catch Ryan Reynolds as the voice of Pikachu in Pokémon: Detective Pikachu. The movie opened to strong critical reviews and has been said to satisfy fans of the original television series.
Ryan Reynolds is also involved in several projects that are currently in the works, including Clue, Deadpool 3, X-Force, Free Guy, The Croods 2, The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, and 6 Underground. So, when it comes to this handsome and clever actor, his face is sure to be plastered on posters for many years to come.
