Ryan Reynolds is often recognized for portraying a consistent type of character across various films. He has carved out a distinct space for himself within the realm of action comedy, consistently embodying a slick, witty, and often vulgar persona whose combat techniques are as humorous as they are absurd, albeit sometimes memorable.
The character Reynolds is most famously associated with is the one most people love to hate: Deadpool. While Deadpool’s antics are laced with humor, he is also irritating and perilous, often engaging in dubious antics. Nonetheless, Reynolds’ impeccable comedic timing and strong on-screen charisma as Deadpool have solidly established him as a fan favorite. This iconic mercenary offers a refreshing deviation from the typical superhero mold.
Deadpool is revered as a standout character that both fans and critics praise. However, not every character Ryan Reynolds plays receives the same acclaim. His performances are often criticized for being frivolous and lacking depth. Despite this, many of Ryan Reynolds’ films have been successful with audiences, even though they are frequently rated poorly by critics and overlooked.
The Hitman’s Bodyguard and Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard Gain Popularity on Netflix
Featured in the Platform’s Top 10
Both The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017) and Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard (2021) were initially met with skepticism by critics, who claimed the films were just more of the usual Ryan Reynolds formula. Yet, both movies recently enjoyed a stint in Netflix’s top 10 list for a week, reported by FlixPatrol.
While Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard did not do well at the box office, The Hitman’s Bodyguard generated significant profit.
In The Hitman’s Bodyguard, Ryan Reynolds plays Michael Bryce, a bodyguard tasked with protecting a notorious hitman, Darius Kincaid (played by Samuel L. Jackson), who is a key witness at the International Court of Justice. Their relationship complicates the legal proceedings.
The sequel, Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, expands the cast to include Salma Hayek as Sonia Kincaid, an international scam artist and Darius’s wife. She joins the duo as Bryce is assigned to protect the couple, leading to a tumultuous yet necessary collaboration to thwart a criminal plot they stumble upon.
Implications for The Hitman’s Bodyguard and Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard
Both Films Attract a Dedicated Audience
The box office figures for Ryan Reynolds’ recent films reveal a surprising trend about the star, who first rose to fame in the early 2000s. He has recently become a prominent figure on streaming platforms, with movies that didn’t perform well theatrically finding their audience online. The popularity of The Hitman’s Bodyguard and its sequel on Netflix underscores this shift.
The Hitman’s Bodyguard, despite being a typical Ryan Reynolds film, performed well at the box office, earning over 150 million USD according to BoxOfficeMojo. Its sequel may not have fared as well, but their current streaming success suggests viewers enjoy these films. Films often achieve streaming success after failing at the box office, possibly due to different audience expectations.
The recent streaming success of The Hitman’s Bodyguard and Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard also reflects that critical reviews do not always align with box office performance or audience opinions. While critics’ views are important, they are not the only opinions that matter, and films dismissed by critics still deserve a chance to be seen.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
