Ryan Reynolds honors Rob Delaney’s son in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’
A heartfelt tribute on the big screen
Ryan Reynolds recently took to Instagram to share a deeply personal and touching tribute to his co-star Rob Delaney’s late son, Henry. This heartfelt gesture was included in the latest installment of the franchise, Deadpool & Wolverine. Henry Delaney tragically passed away from a brain tumor in February 2018, just months before the release of Deadpool 2. Reynolds expressed his regret for not honoring Henry in the previous film and made sure to rectify this in the new release.
The emotional weight behind the scenes
Reynolds described Delaney as one of the most subversively funny and vulnerable writers he knows. He highlighted Delaney’s profound impact on the film and his personal life. “If you stayed through the credits of Deadpool & Wolverine,” Reynolds wrote, “you might notice a credit saying, ‘For Henry Delaney.’ Henry was Rob’s son. And Rob lost his little boy to a brain tumor in 2018. Right as we finished Deadpool 2.”
Reynolds’ words reflect a deep sense of camaraderie and respect for Delaney, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging personal losses and the human stories behind the characters we see on screen.
A long-overdue acknowledgment
Reynolds admitted to feeling a sense of guilt for not including a tribute to Henry in Deadpool 2. “I’ve always kicked my own ass because I didn’t place a tribute to Henry over the end credits of[[Deadpool 2],” he confessed. However, he found solace in the fact that more people would see Henry’s name in the credits of Deadpool & Wolverine. “At long last, father and son are sharing the same screen,” he added, bringing a sense of closure and honor to Henry’s memory.
Delaney’s memoir: A journey through grief
Reynolds also praised Delaney’s 2022 memoir, A Heart That Works, calling it “an incredible piece of writing which explores the kaleidoscopic colors of emotion Henry’s passing revealed.” He described the book as “an unfiltered, rageful, loving, sad and hilarious (yes, HILARIOUS) look at grief.” This memoir offers readers a raw and honest look at the complexities of grief, making it a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the multifaceted nature of loss.
The return of Peter Pool
Delaney’s character, Peter, made a triumphant return in Deadpool & Wolverine, this time adopting his own superhero persona, Peter Pool. Delaney shared his thoughts on reprising the role, noting that it felt different and bigger this time around. ”I haven’t been coached on what to say here. It felt different. It felt bigger, for sure,” he said. “I mean, it still felt controlled, and you felt Ryan’s authorial voice moving through it, and it felt pure, but yeah, it felt bigger.”
A film that resonates
Deadpool & Wolverine is now playing in theaters nationwide, offering fans a blend of humor, action, and heartfelt moments. The film not only continues the beloved franchise but also serves as a poignant reminder of the personal stories and emotions that shape the characters and the people who bring them to life.
For those interested in exploring more about the film, you can watch the trailer for Deadpool & Wolverine here.
Reflecting on the power of storytelling
Reynolds’ tribute to Henry Delaney and his praise for Rob Delaney’s memoir highlight the power of storytelling in connecting us to the human experience. Whether through film or literature, these stories offer a window into the depths of emotion and the resilience of the human spirit. As cinema and TV series enthusiasts, we are reminded of the profound impact these narratives can have on our lives, offering both entertainment and a deeper understanding of the world around us.
Deadpool & Wolverine is more than just a film; it’s a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship, the importance of honoring those we’ve lost, and the healing power of storytelling.