‘Ryan Reynolds the New Steve Jobs?’: How the Actor Became a Business Powerhouse

May 2, 2025: Ryan Reynolds, the beloved Hollywood actor known for his role as Deadpool, has evolved into a savvy business mogul, proving that his talents extend beyond the silver screen. Over the years, Reynolds has made bold moves in the business world, investing in ventures that have not only seen immense financial success but also demonstrated his sharp marketing acumen. Among his most notable investments are Aviation Gin and Mint Mobile, both of which have transformed Reynolds from a movie star into a serious player in the business world.

A viral thread on X (formerly Twitter) by @KenBerenger has sparked a fascinating debate: Could Ryan Reynolds be the Steve Jobs of our time? The thread explores how the Hollywood actor, once mainly known for his role as Deadpool, has transformed himself into one of the sharpest minds in business today. From clever investments to savvy marketing, Reynolds has broken the mold of a typical celebrity, reinventing the way people view success in Hollywood.

From Deadpool to Business Mogul

In 2016, Ryan Reynolds was riding high on the success of Deadpool, the R-rated superhero film that grossed $780 million worldwide. At the time, he was mostly associated with his work in front of the camera. However, behind the scenes, Reynolds was quietly laying the groundwork for his business empire. While other actors were focused on their next big role or endorsement deal, Reynolds was thinking long-term about how to leverage his fame into something more substantial.

Unlike many of his peers, who rely on product endorsements to build their brand, Reynolds decided to take a different route. In 2018, he made a significant move when he invested in Aviation Gin—not just as a silent partner, but as an owner and creative director. Reynolds infused the brand with his signature humor and sharp marketing strategies, which quickly set it apart from other spirits.

Marketing Genius

One of the standout moments in Reynolds’ business journey came in 2019 when Peloton released a controversial ad featuring an actress who was criticized for appearing uncomfortably happy in a holiday commercial. When the internet backlash hit, Reynolds saw an opportunity. Within 36 hours, he released a cheeky Aviation Gin ad featuring the same actress, now “drowning her sorrows” with a glass of the gin. The ad went viral, giving the brand massive exposure—and free publicity worth millions. It was a masterstroke that showed just how much Reynolds understood the power of real-time marketing.

Big Business Moves

Reynolds’ business acumen paid off in 2020 when Aviation Gin was sold to Diageo for a reported $610 million. But he wasn’t done. Earlier in 2019, Reynolds had also invested in Mint Mobile, a telecom company known for its affordable plans. Then, in 2023, Mint Mobile was sold to T-Mobile for a staggering $1.35 billion, adding another multi-million-dollar success to Reynolds’ growing portfolio.

But it’s not just about the money—Reynolds is showing how to make meaningful, long-lasting impacts with his ventures. In 2020, he and fellow actor Rob McElhenney purchased Wrexham AFC, a fifth-tier Welsh football club, for just $2.5 million. While some saw it as a vanity project, Reynolds and McElhenney dove in headfirst, making an effort to truly understand the community that lived and breathed the club. Instead of staying distant owners, they invested heavily in both the club’s infrastructure and its community relations.

Revitalizing Wrexham and Building Community

In addition to investing millions in the club’s development, Reynolds and McElhenney launched Welcome to Wrexham, a documentary series that aired in 2022, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their journey and the town’s rich history. The documentary brought global attention to the club and its passionate fanbase.

The results were impressive. Wrexham won the National League in 2023, returning to the English Football League after a 15-year absence. The impact on the local community was tangible—visitor spending in the small Welsh town surged, merchandise sales exploded, and the club’s value multiplied. Reynolds and McElhenney demonstrated that building genuine connections with communities creates more value than traditional corporate approaches, solidifying Reynolds’ status as a business visionary.

A New Kind of Celebrity Entrepreneur

Ken Berenger, the author of the viral thread, concludes that Ryan Reynolds’ business strategy demonstrates a remarkable shift from traditional celebrity ventures. Rather than relying on fame or simply capitalizing on the latest trend, Reynolds has built a reputation as a sharp businessman who understands the importance of marketing, community, and long-term investments. His ability to reinvent himself from a Hollywood actor to a successful entrepreneur proves that building real connections—whether in business or with people—creates lasting value.

In an era where actors and celebrities are often seen as disconnected from the real world, Ryan Reynolds has shown that it’s possible to use celebrity status to make a genuine difference, both in business and in communities. Whether or not Reynolds becomes the next Steve Jobs remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: he’s a force to be reckoned with in both Hollywood and business.