Ryan Reynolds Says ‘Green Lantern’ Taught Him His Greatest Creative Lesson

At the Time 100 Summit, Reynolds reflects on prioritizing character over spectacle, Deadpool’s legacy, and what’s next from Maximum Effort

Washington [US], April 24:
Ryan Reynolds has opened up about his time filming Green Lantern (2011), describing it not as a regret—but as a vital stepping stone in his creative evolution.

“I learned all the most amazing lessons I could ever have in the creative space from that movie,” Reynolds said during his appearance at the 2025 Time 100 Summit.

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💡 From Green Lantern to Maximum Effort

Reynolds, who played Hal Jordan in the high-budget DC film, shared how watching millions spent on special effects over meaningful character development helped shape his future projects.

“I remember saying, ‘Why don’t we write a scene the way people actually talk?’ It doesn’t cost anything and might even be better,” he recalled.

This focus on “character over spectacle” became the foundation of his production company Maximum Effort, which has backed hits like Deadpool, Free Guy, and Shotgun Wedding.

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🦸‍♂️ Deadpool, Redemption & Future Possibilities

Reynolds also spoke about his passion project, Deadpool, and how the franchise reclaimed a character once ridiculed in X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

“The greatest superpower I ever had in my life was knowing who I am,” Reynolds said, adding that Deadpool & Wolverine is now the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time.

He teased the possibility of Deadpool appearing in future Avengers films, and revealed he’s currently working on an ensemble project, continuing his shift toward collaborative storytelling.

“That feeling of gasp when audiences truly connect with a character — it’s something I just want more of.”

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✍️ What’s Next?

While keeping details under wraps, Reynolds hinted at new ventures, both as a writer and producer, signaling more layered and character-driven content from his creative studio.

Whether in a superhero suit or behind the camera, Ryan Reynolds is proving that knowing your voice—and using it authentically—is the real cinematic superpower.