Ryan Reynolds, best known for his iconic role in the R-rated blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine, recently disclosed that he has pitched a bold new concept to Disney — an R-rated Star Wars movie. Speaking during an episode of The Box Office podcast, Reynolds said he would love to see a darker, more emotionally charged take on the beloved sci-fi franchise but clarified that he has no desire to star in it himself.
The Deadpool & Wolverine star explained that his pitch wasn’t about pushing boundaries for shock value but rather exploring deeper emotions through the lens of a mature rating. “I pitched to Disney and said, ‘Why don’t we try an R-rated Star Wars property? It doesn’t need to involve the major characters. There’s a wide spectrum of untapped characters to work with,'” he said. Reynolds emphasized that his idea isn’t about gratuitous content but using the R-rating as a “Trojan horse for emotion.”
He further clarified his role in the potential project: “I’m not saying I want to be in it. That would be a poor fit. I’d prefer to write, produce, or contribute from behind the scenes.” According to Reynolds, many major IPs like Star Wars flourish best when there’s a mix of scarcity and surprise — a balance he believes can still be achieved despite the franchise’s growing presence on Disney+.
Ryan Reynolds’ last outing, Deadpool & Wolverine, which released in July 2024, reunited him with Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine under the direction of Shawn Levy. The film marked Hugh Jackman’s much-anticipated return to the role after his earlier retirement.
Looking ahead, Star Wars fans can anticipate the upcoming film The Mandalorian and Grogu, directed by Jon Favreau and co-written with Dave Filoni. Starring Pedro Pascal as Din Djarin, the film is expected to hit theatres in May next year.