Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds offered a refreshingly honest retrospective on his Hollywood career this week, sharing insights about professional setbacks and personal growth.
A Candid Conversation at The Wall Street Journal Summit
The Deadpool star participated in The Wall Street Journal's CMO Council Summit on Tuesday, engaging in a revealing dialogue with Emmy-winning producer Maryam Banikarim. During their conversation at the high-profile business event, Reynolds examined the career choices and creative decisions that have defined his path in the entertainment industry.
When Banikarim asked for an example of something that didn't work out for him, Reynolds initially joked about his high school experience before turning to his film career. The Vancouver-born actor specifically highlighted the 2011 superhero film Green Lantern as a creative endeavor that failed to resonate with critics.
From 'Yes Man' to Career Architect
Reynolds explained that during that period of his career, he had adopted a people-pleasing approach, often saying yes to projects without fully considering their alignment with his creative vision. He described himself as having been a yes man who now recognizes the importance of taking ownership of his professional direction.
They don't say, 'This producer's movie flopped,' or 'This director's [movie flopped],' Reynolds told the audience. That's me. So if I'm going to be on that headline, I'd like to be the architect of my own demise or success.
The actor emphasized how this mindset shift has transformed his approach to collaboration, noting he has learned to bring his own voice into the room when working on projects.
Personal Connections and Professional Growth
In a touching moment that drew laughter from the summit attendees, Reynolds revealed that despite the film's critical reception, Green Lantern remains his son's favorite movie among his extensive filmography. This personal detail highlighted the complex relationship between public perception and private meaning in an actor's body of work.
The conversation occurred shortly after Reynolds attended the Los Angeles special screening of Amazon MGM Studios' 'John Candy: I Like Me' on October 2, 2025, in Hollywood, California, demonstrating his continued engagement with the film community.
Through his reflective comments, Reynolds provided valuable insights into the evolution of a modern Hollywood career, demonstrating how perceived failures can ultimately shape an artist's path toward authentic creative expression and professional fulfillment.
