Nearly a decade after its release, the 2017 action film The Hitman’s Bodyguard starring Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson has regained popularity by reaching Netflix’s top 10 in the United States. The film follows Michael Bryce (Reynolds), an agent assigned to protect deadly assassin Darius Kincaid (Jackson), drawing viewers with its blend of action and humor despite receiving mixed critical responses. This renewed interest comes as Ryan Reynolds has not appeared in new film or TV projects since Deadpool & Wolverine, emphasizing the movie’s lasting appeal in the streaming era.
Behind the Numbers: Mixed Reviews Contrast with Box Office Success
Although critics gave The Hitman’s Bodyguard a modest 44% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, audience approval was higher at 67%, reflecting a divide between critical and viewer opinions. The film proved financially successful, earning $183 million worldwide against a production budget of $30 million, highlighting its profitability. This strong box office performance paved the way for a sequel, Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, which also joined Netflix’s streaming lineup earlier this month.
Production Insights and the Sequel’s Mixed Outcome
During a 2021 interview, Ryan Reynolds shared his surprise at the greenlighting of the sequel, describing the first film as a risky venture that exceeded expectations. Directed by Patrick Hughes with a script from Tom O’Connor, the original film became a “Hail Mary” that succeeded, offering six times its budget in returns. However, Lionsgate’s decision to produce a sequel—which cost more than twice the original’s budget but earned less than half at the box office—adds complexity to the franchise’s future. The sequel also involved Phillip and Brandon Murphy in the writing process, while Hughes continued his directorial role, bringing continuity to the series.
Ryan Reynolds’ Future Roles and the Possibility of Playing Deadpool Again
Although there is no official confirmation, many expect Ryan Reynolds to reprise his iconic role as Deadpool at some point. Despite not being featured during the Avengers: Doomsday casting announcement, Reynolds’ potential involvement remains plausible, similar to Benedict Cumberbatch’s situation. Marvel is anticipated to find new opportunities to utilize the character known as The Merc With a Mouth following the success of Deadpool & Wolverine, suggesting Reynolds could return to this popular franchise.
Streaming Impact and What Lies Ahead for Ryan Reynolds
The presence of The Hitman’s Bodyguard and its sequel among Netflix’s most-watched titles highlights the enduring popularity of Ryan Reynolds’ work. These films continue to attract viewers, bridging the gap between theatrical releases and streaming platforms. Reynolds’ collaboration with co-stars Samuel L. Jackson, Gary Oldman, and Salma Hayek Pinault contributes to the movies’ appeal. As audiences eagerly await Reynolds’ next projects, the current success reinforces his lasting impact in the entertainment industry.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Ryan Reynolds’s religion?
A. Reynolds has Irish roots and grew up in a Catholic family. He lived in Vancouver’s Kitsilano area and Vanier, Ontario, which is now in Ottawa. He began acting when he was thirteen years old.
Q. Does Ryan Reynolds have 4 daughters?
A. Reynolds and Blake Lively have four kids. Their daughters are James, who is 9, Inez, who is 8, and Betty, who is 5. They also have a son named Olin, who is 22 months old. Although you might imagine their family outings are perfectly organized, Reynolds admits they are actually a bit chaotic.
