More than a decade after its initial release, Ryan Reynolds R.I.P.D sleeper hit status has surged as the film climbs streaming charts on Peacock in America. The 2013 sci-fi buddy cop comedy, featuring Reynolds alongside Jeff Bridges and Kevin Bacon, centers on Nick Walker (Reynolds), a detective who dies and joins a group of undead law enforcers battling rogue spirits. Currently, the film ranks third in popularity on Peacock, indicating a renewed interest despite its earlier reception.
The Original Reception and Box Office Performance
Despite its current streaming success, R.I.P.D. remains the lowest-rated film in Ryan Reynolds’ career, receiving only 13% from critics and 38% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. It performed poorly at the box office, earning $78 million globally against a production budget of $130 million. This underwhelming response came before Reynolds’ breakout as Deadpool, a role that significantly boosted his fame. The film’s earlier release date suggests it might have fared better if debuted after Reynolds became a household name.
Creative Team Behind R.I.P.D. and Related Works
Based on a comic book by Peter M. Lenkov and Lucas Maragnon, R.I.P.D. was directed by Robert Schwentke, known for his work on Red starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, and Helen Mirren. The screenplay was developed by David Dobkin, Matt Manfredi, and Phil Hay. Schwentke has continued directing action films, including the 2021 G.I. Joe movie Snake Eyes featuring Henry Golding, and is slated to helm Control, an upcoming thriller starring James McAvoy and Julianne Moore.
Context on Ryan Reynolds’ Earlier Projects
Before R.I.P.D., Ryan Reynolds appeared in The Proposal at age 33, co-starring with Sandra Bullock, who was 45 at the time. Although The Proposal received mixed critical reviews, it succeeded commercially by grossing $317 million worldwide on a $40 million budget. This film contrasts with R.I.P.D.’s initial struggles, reflecting Reynolds’ growing appeal leading up to his later high-profile roles.
What This Revival Means for R.I.P.D. and Ryan Reynolds
The unexpected resurgence of R.I.P.D. in the streaming era highlights how films can find new audiences years after theatrical release, particularly when connected to popular stars like Ryan Reynolds. This renewed attention may influence how studios and fans reconsider older works in an actor’s filmography. As Reynolds continues to gain momentum with upcoming projects, the revival of R.I.P.D. could contribute positively to his legacy and streaming trends.
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