Ryan Reynolds recently opened up about the challenges of juggling his family life with the demanding schedule of making superhero movies, particularly the "Deadpool" franchise. In a conversation with Andrew Garfield for Variety's "Actors on Actors" series, Reynolds discussed the six-year gap between "Deadpool 2" and "Deadpool & Wolverine," attributing it in part to his desire to be a present father to his four children with Blake Lively. He expressed the internal conflict he feels when missing his children's activities due to work commitments.

Reynolds took six years to make "Deadpool & Wolverine" partly because he wanted to be a present father. (Alexi Lubomirski for Variety)

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds attend The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala in 2022. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

While expressing uncertainty about the future of the "Deadpool" series, Reynolds emphasized his satisfaction with "Deadpool & Wolverine," stating his intention to create a complete cinematic experience rather than simply setting up a sequel. He also reflected on his evolution into a producer and co-writer for the franchise, driven by a desire to create films that resonate with both critics and audiences.

"I have four kids, and I don’t ever want to be an absentee [dad]. I kind of die inside when I see their faces, and they do a sports thing or something and I missed it."

— Ryan Reynolds

Reynolds and Garfield discussed the challenges of having limited creative control in large-scale film productions. (Alexi Lubomirski for Variety)

Both Reynolds and Garfield shared their frustrations about the lack of creative input they experienced in earlier blockbuster projects. Reynolds described the feeling of powerlessness and the desire to take ownership of his work, even if it meant risking failure. He recounted instances where his suggestions for prioritizing character development over spectacle were dismissed, ultimately leading him to take on a more active role in shaping the "Deadpool" films.

Ryan Reynolds has experienced great success with the "Deadpool" superhero movie series. (Associated Press)

The immense success of "Deadpool & Wolverine," grossing over $1 billion globally, is a testament to Reynolds' dedication to the franchise. The film's all-star cast, including Hugh Jackman, Wesley Snipes, Jennifer Garner, Chris Evans, and Channing Tatum, further contributed to its popularity. Jennifer Garner shared her positive experience reprising her role as Elektra on Instagram, praising Reynolds and director Shawn Levy for their vision and leadership.

Garner was happy to return to the role of Elektra in "Deadpool & Wolverine." (Getty Images)