Actor Ryan Reynolds recently expressed his deep regret over having to cut his friend Rob McElhenney’s cameo from the upcoming Marvel film “Deadpool & Wolverine.” According to The Hollywood Reporter, the decision was particularly tough for Reynolds, who flew McElhenney out to London specifically to film the scene. McElhenney, known for his role in “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and as co-owner of the Wrexham football team, was cast as a Time Variance Authority soldier in the movie.
In a heartfelt Instagram post on Friday, Reynolds shared his disappointment, saying, “A word on my ‘darling’ friend, @robmcelhenney. Rob very kindly did a cameo in #DeadpoolAndWolverine which will hopefully live on in the digital extras.” He continued, “While editing a movie, they say you ‘sometimes have to kill your darlings.’ And with a heavy heart (and through great outside intervention), I had to kill a darling with this cameo.”
Reynolds explained that the scene was ultimately cut because it wasn’t working as originally envisioned. “Rob was the only reason it stayed in the cut for as long as it did,” Reynolds said, praising McElhenney’s talent and charisma. “Even under a TVA mask and helmet, you can feel him smoldering with a raw and almost infinite reservoir of talent, writerly wit, and ‘I create hit TV shows’ swagger.”
The actor also touched on the challenges of filmmaking, especially dealing with high expectations. “I loved making this movie, but it wasn’t without stress,” Reynolds admitted. “There was a lot of expectation — and I’m pretty sure the most well-written villain in cinema history is ‘Expectation.’ But having friends like Rob to count on makes it all easier. I’m grateful my friend was there with me on that set.”
Reynolds concluded his post with a humorous nod to the scene that didn’t make the cut, describing how McElhenney’s character met a comical end at the hands of the powerful entity Alioth. Despite the disappointment, Reynolds emphasized the importance of McElhenney’s support throughout the process.
