Ryan Reynolds has taken to social media with a humorous reaction after learning Neil Patrick Harris will be voicing Deadpool in Marvel’s upcoming VR title for Meta Quest 3 and 3S. Known for his portrayal of Wade Wilson across several films, Reynolds addressed the new video game casting choice by sharing a playful video on his official YouTube channel, sparking fan conversation about the change.
Reynolds Parodies Iconic TV Moments in Response Video
In Reynolds’ video, he opens by making an entry in a digital journal on an old computer, an intentional nod to the classic closing scene from ABC’s Doogie Howser, M.D., where Harris’s character often reflected on his experiences through a similar diary entry. Channeling the style of the original show, Reynolds appears in a lab coat, emulating the young doctor persona.
He types and narrates, referencing his own signature role. During this moment, Reynolds says,
Today, I learned a lesson about b——– they don’t teach you in medical school. People who steal your signature role are the biggest b——– of all.
—Ryan Reynolds, Actor
The set mimics Doogie’s familiar room, bringing further nostalgia for fans. Reynolds continues, showing both appreciation for Harris and mock indignation at the situation. He states,
No, I don’t blame Meta Quest. Neil Patrick Harris is an amazing actor with the nurturing voice of an angel, but even though I haven’t hit puberty yet, I still know when you’re getting totally s——.
—Ryan Reynolds, Actor
Robyn Lively Joins the Fun in the Playful Video
The comedic skit features a surprise appearance by Robyn Lively, who famously portrayed Michele Faber in Doogie Howser, M.D. and is the half-sister of Blake Lively, Reynolds’ wife. Lively enters the room, humorously shouting “House Call,” echoing her character’s medical background from the series.
In the interaction, Reynolds jokingly refers to Lively as his girlfriend, questioning how his father would respond, prompting Lively to remind him of his real age. Their back-and-forth builds with quips about being paid for her appearance, and Lively teasing Reynolds as “vindictive and stupid,” a label he laughs off by disagreeing with “that diagnosis.”
Closing Moments Reference the Game and Family Ties
The skit transitions to footage from Marvel’s Deadpool VR announcement trailer, showcasing Harris’s new role in the game. Before ending the video, Reynolds again mimics the introspective style of Doogie Howser by attempting a kiss with Lively, only to stop short, joking that she’s his sister-in-law. Lively calls him “dumb,” closing the sequence on a light note.
This comedic response highlights Reynolds’ playful nature and long-standing attachment to the Deadpool character, even as Neil Patrick Harris prepares to take over for the VR title. With actors such as Robyn Lively and familiar references woven throughout, the moment underscores the ongoing connection between pop culture legacy and new interpretations. As players anticipate the release of the game, fans of both actors are left eager to see how Harris will inhabit the role that Reynolds made famous.
