The role of 'Deadpool' is arguably one of Ryan Reynold's best. He earned critical acclaim for the performance, impressed comic book fans with his loyalty to the character's personality, and literally invested his own money in ensuring that the film was the best it could possibly be.
But there was one problem with Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool: the costume didn't fit.
While Ryan Reynolds wasn't new to dressing up as a superhero when it came time to hit the set of 'Deadpool,' getting suited up was a bit different this time around. Though he and Blake Lively were paid handsomely for starring in 'Green Lantern,' that film didn't actually feature a hero costume at all; it was all special effects.
'Deadpool,' however, used a complete suit with padding for the muscles — no green screen foolery there. The problem was, IMDb trivia highlights, that Ryan was just too buff for the original costume.
Some custom — and creative — tailoring was required because Reynolds' muscles basically bulged out of the suit. Not only was the 'muscle layer' of the suit removed to let Ryan's own muscles shine, but that extra layer made it too tight for him.
In short, Ryan was a true beefcake while starring in 'Deadpool,' and there was no embellishment added to his costume to make him look more sculpted than he actually was.
Forcing the film's costume designers to hit the sewing machine didn't come effortlessly, though. As Insider reported in 2018, Ryan not only stuck to a rigorous workout regimen to become Deadpool but he apparently even gained seven pounds of muscle for the original film.
No word on the specific physical feats he achieved for 'Deadpool 2,' but Insider noted that Ryan hired a celeb trainer to outline his workouts, which included hiking, mountain biking, squats, and plenty of free weights.
His trainer also pushed Reynolds to focus on his flexibility and building true strength, not just bulking up. Ryan even shared a video of him doing a backflip (in a crowded gym full of toddlers) while prepping for 'Deadpool.'
Oh, and he also called Wolverine himself, Hugh Jackman, for workout advice, too. Though, that part's not surprising, especially since Hugh supposedly teased a Wolverine-Deadpool movie with his pal. What a musclebound matchup that particular film would be.
Clearly, it paid off, though fans can guess that the costume department for 'Deadpool' wasn't impressed with the need to completely modify the crass hero's wardrobe. But now that 'Deadpool 3' is forthcoming, maybe they'll finally dial it in so Ryan's acting skills — and his abs — can both shine.
