Between the witty banter and the explosive action, Deadpool became one of the biggest hits of the past decade, thanks to Ryan Reynolds’ unforgettable portrayal of the anti-hero Wade Wilson. Yet not all was rosy on set, as evidenced by the recent fallout between Reynolds and former co-star T.J. Miller. After amassing critical acclaim and $782 million at the box office, Deadpool set the stage for what many thought was a burgeoning friendship on screen. So why has Miller declared he would never work with Reynolds again?
Miller, who played the snarky Weasel, revealed this tension during a podcast appearance, where he described Reynolds’ behavior as “horrifically mean” during filming. He recounted one moment when Reynolds reportedly said, "You know what’s great about you, Weasel? You’re not the star, but you do just enough exposition so it’s funny, and then we can leave and get back to the real movie.” While intended as comedy, Miller felt it also hinted at something darker lurking beneath Reynolds’ humor.
This wasn’t just casual bickering between co-stars; Miller articulated it as more of a reflection on how the dynamics shifted after the first Deadpool movie's overwhelming success. “When something becomes super successful, people get really famous and things get really weird, and that's what happened from Deadpool 1 to Deadpool 2,” Miller stated, hinting at how Reynolds' popularity possibly transformed their relationship.
Seeking to explain the perceived animosity, Miller didn’t hold back, indicating he felt Reynolds harbored some personal dislike for him—in spite of the character chemistry evident on screen. Reflecting on this, he candidly stated, “Would I work with him again? No. I sort of wish him well because he’s so good at Deadpool, and I think it’s weird he hates me.”
The fallout didn’t stop with personal feelings; it was deeply affected by past controversies surrounding Miller. Following his dismissal from HBO’s Silicon Valley, where he reportedly missed work due to substance abuse issues, Miller faced numerous legal troubles, culminating with accusations of violence and controversy surrounding alleged assaults. Many speculated how these incidents might have altered his career and the nature of his relationships with peers, including Reynolds.
Reynolds and Miller’s relationship appeared strained, especially as discussions about Deadpool 3 began. Miller, who has since made clear he wouldn’t be joining the franchise, reinforced his decision by saying, “I would not have done Deadpool 3 if they came to me and were like, ‘We want you to do Deadpool 3, and we’re going to pay you twice as much.’” This strong refusal manifested not just from hurt feelings but also from Miller’s loyalty to self-respect above financial gain.
Reynolds, for his part, addressed the situation indirectly, coming off as mostly unbothered by the claims. His career continued soaring with projects like Deadpool & Wolverine, which aimed to thrill fans by reuniting him with Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. This film also sparked interest because of notable missing characters like Weasel, which fans quickly noticed amid the plethora of cameos.
Though Reynolds sent out gentle signals of reconciliation, such as reaching out via email after Miller voiced his discontent on The Adam Carolla Show, the damage seemed done. Miller recounted how the two exchanged words and smoothed things over, yet one can’t help but think if the foundation of their comedic friendship could ever truly be restored.
Reynolds is preparing for the highly anticipated integration of the Deadpool character within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which poses many questions about the direction of the franchise post-Miller. Fans clamored to see whether the upcoming films would address this rift or simply sidestep it altogether.
The saga of their on-set relationship leaves many pondering—was it just the pressure of Hollywood fame and celebrity dynamics at play? Did the stress of public litigation and criticism lead to misunderstandings on set, or is there something more simmering below the surface? Reynolds, after all, is now firmly established as the face of Deadpool, and Miller feels the sting of the spotlight reflecting unevenly on their shared past.
To add more spice to the story, audience reactions have varied widely. Some viewers found Miller's absence comically refreshing, noting how the Deadpool & Wolverine movie highlighted every character but him. Online discussions often quipped about how it seemed entirely intentional for the script to sidestep acknowledging Weasel's legacy. One viewer stated, "One of the funniest parts of Deadpool & Wolverine was realizing the entirety of their previous tight-knit team was together—except for T.J. Miller.”
These sentiments spotlight the complexity of personal relations amplified by Hollywood’s glitz, where professional disagreements can lead to significant public speculation. While Reynolds soared to greater heights post-Deadpool, Miller struggled with the fallout from his off-screen troubles. A sense of bitterness colored their interactions, but it seems Reynolds remains primarily focused on the continuing success of the Deadpool franchise.
Looking at both stars moving forward, the fracture stemming from their collaborations—as unfortunate as it may seem—highlights broader issues within the entertainment industry. Fame can lead not only to professional wins but also to personal battles and unspeakable rifts. It leaves their contributions to the upcoming films shrouded with curiosity, making one question just how the industry can evolve moving forward amid the cacophony of friendship and rivalry.