Ryan Reynolds Shares How 'Darling' Friend Rob McElhenney Helped Him Through 'Stressful'DeadpoolShoot

Mar. 15, 2025

Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds on April 29, 2023.Photo:Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

Ryan Reynoldsleaned onRob McElhenneywhen things got tough makingDeadpool & Wolverine.

In an Aug. 23 Instagram post, Reynolds revealed that McElhenney — the fellow actor with whom he co-owns the U.K. soccer team Wrexham AFC — filmed a cameo forDeadpool & Wolverinethat was ultimately cut from the final film.

“A word on my ‘darling’ friend, @robmcelhenney. Rob very kindly did a cameo in #DeadpoolAndWolverine which will hopefully live on in the digital extras,“wroteReynolds, 47. “While editing a movie, they say you ‘sometimes have to kill your darlings.’ And with a heavy heart (and through great outside intervention) I had to kill a darling with this cameo….”

Reynolds explained that the scene in which McElhenney, 47, was featured “wasn’t working the way we’d originally constructed it.”

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in “Deadpool & Wolverine”.Jay Maidmen

Jay Maidmen

Reynolds also co-wroteDeadpool & Wolverine, hisX-Menteam-up with costar Hugh Jackman and director Shawn Levy that marks Deadpool’s introduction to Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe after the studio’s Fox acquisition.

The star said making the film was “stressful,” so having hisIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiapal around on set helped.

Ryan Reynolds on July 22, 2024.Gotham/FilmMagic

Gotham/FilmMagic

“And even though I’m mortified he flew all the way to London for a cameo that wasn’t meant to be, I’m grateful my friend was there with me on that set,” he continued. “When I see Rob, my heart-rate slows and my nervous system stops yelling at me. He shows up for people. And he showed up for me.”

Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds on April 29, 2023.Leon Bennett/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images

Leon Bennett/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images

McElhenney and Reynolds have been vocal about their bromance in the past.Speaking to PEOPLE at a 2023 Wrexham FC match in San Diego, McElhenney raved over his friendship with the “truly inspiring” Reynolds.

“I consider him one of my closest friends, and I didn’t even know him three years ago,” he said at the time, adding that Reynolds is a “kind and generous soul, and somebody you can rely on.”

Deadpool & Wolverineis in theaters now.

source: people.com