Ryan Reynolds and director Shawn Levy have forged a remarkable collaboration, delivering three well-received films over the past five years. Their 2022 Netflix original, The Adam Project, starring Reynolds, stands out as a significant sci-fi offering that deserves recognition for its emotional depth and connection to an upcoming blockbuster. This film blends time travel and family drama while setting the stage for Levy’s next major project.
A Closer Look at The Adam Project’s Impact and Story
The Adam Project follows Ryan Reynolds as Adam Reed, a freedom fighter from the future who must join forces with his younger self, played by Walker Scobell, to protect their timeline from destruction. Unlike Reynolds’s other hits such as Free Guy and Deadpool & Wolverine, this film balances action and sci-fi elements with heartfelt storytelling, making it one of the most underrated Netflix movies.
At its core, the movie explores family bonds, centering on Adam’s connection with his parents. Mark Ruffalo portrays Louis Reed, Adam’s father, who passed away a year earlier but whose presence resurfaces through the film’s time travel plot. Both versions of Adam confront their grief and use it as a catalyst to heal fractured relationships, including the younger Adam rebuilding ties with his mother, portrayed by Jennifer Garner.
The relationship between the older and younger Adams provides the film’s emotional anchor. Walker Scobell delivers a standout performance, showcasing great chemistry with Reynolds as his older counterpart. Their exchanges blend sarcasm with genuine emotion, offering both humor and vulnerability. Additionally, the younger Adam’s interactions with Zoe Saldaña’s character, Laura—who is his future wife—add another layer of sincerity and warmth to the narrative.
While “Free Guy” and “Deadpool & Wolverine” lean heavily on humor and spectacle, The Adam Project uses its sci-fi framework as a backdrop for more profound emotional moments. Director Shawn Levy succeeds in creating a film that resonates on multiple levels, combining thrilling action sequences with an exploration of family, loss, and reconciliation.
How The Adam Project Influenced Shawn Levy’s Star Wars Role
Shawn Levy’s experience with The Adam Project appears to have paved the way for his upcoming involvement in the Star Wars franchise. Scheduled for release on May 28, 2027, Star Wars: Starfighter will serve as the second new Star Wars film following the conclusion of the Sequel Trilogy. Although plot details remain scarce, it is known that Ryan Gosling will star as a former Jedi navigating this new chapter in the galaxy.
The Adam Project showcases many elements reminiscent of Star Wars, particularly its high-stakes starship chases and the use of plasma swords, which bear clear influence from lightsabers. While these weapons are distinct for legal reasons, the homage to George Lucas’s universe is unmistakable. Levy’s ability to blend spectacular action with strong emotional storytelling in The Adam Project makes him a fitting choice to take on the Star Wars saga next.
The film’s success in integrating exciting space battles and meaningful character arcs suggests that Levy will bring a fresh energy and depth to Star Wars: Starfighter. Fans hopeful about this new installment can look to The Adam Project for clues about the tone and style Levy might bring to the franchise.
Performance Highlights and Available Viewing Options
The cast of The Adam Project contributes significantly to its charm and depth. Jennifer Garner, Zoe Saldaña, Catherine Keener, and Mark Ruffalo alongside Ryan Reynolds and Walker Scobell deliver performances that enrich the narrative and emotional impact. Scobell’s role has even been noted as a strong audition for the role of Percy Jackson, highlighting his rising talent.
The Adam Project is currently streaming on Netflix, making it accessible to a wide audience. Meanwhile, anticipation builds for Shawn Levy’s next significant venture, with Star Wars: Starfighter poised to make its theatrical debut in 2027.
“While The Adam Project still has fun with the Deadpool actor’s signature sarcasm and charm, it doesn’t rely solely on gags to get by.” – Film critic
“Walker Scobell is an undeniable scene-stealer in what turns out to be the perfect audition for the role of Percy Jackson.” – Industry analyst
“Shawn Levy’s next project takes him to a galaxy far, far away as he joins the Star Wars universe.” – Entertainment reporter
“If his work in The Adam Project is anything to go by, Shawn Levy is an excellent choice to head up Star Wars: Starfighter.” – Star Wars fan community
