Star Wars Motion Picture Sequence May Warrant R-Rating, According to Ryan Reynolds
Slapping Star Wars with an R-rating: Ryan Reynolds proposes a daring move for the galaxy far, far away
In a bold move that's got fans buzzing, Ryan Reynolds, the razor-sharp wit behind Marvel's Deadpool movies, pitched the idea of an R-rated Star Wars property to Disney. The idea isn't about gratuitous violence or vulgarity, but rather using the R-rating as a "Trojan horse for emotion," enabling more layered storytelling and profound emotional resonance[1][3][5].
In the podcast episode of The Box Office, Reynolds floated this idea as a cheeky soft pitch, suggesting it might not need star-studded A-list characters or be over-the-top crude. "Why don't we just gamble on something like that?" Reynolds mused, expressing his wonder about why studios shy away from R-rated films that focus on emotion[5].
However, this proposition isn't about stepping into the role of a Jedi or Sith. Reynolds sees himself more as a producer or writer for the project rather than an actor. He admits he might not be the best fit for the franchise[5]. Given his successful foray into the R-rated realm with films like Deadpool, his involvement could potentially sway Disney's decision-making.
Up until now, Star Wars has maintained a family-friendly image, with its first PG-13 movie being Revenge of the Sith in 2005. On-screen violence has generally been toned down, and sexual content has been kept implicit[6]. However, with the release of Andor and The Acolyte, the franchise has started to dip its toe into more explicit territory. The question is whether Disney will risk pushing the boundaries further and how the world will respond if they do[6]. Whatever form an R-rated Star Wars project takes, it will undeniably create a storm of conversation, for better or worse.
[via The Hollywood Reporter]
If you're craving more juicy scoops, check out when to expect the next installments in the Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek universes. Stay updated on the evolving DC Universe on the big and small screens, and get the lowdown on the fate of Doctor Who.
[1] https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/ryan-reynolds-deadpool-star-wars-r-rated-relish-trojan-horse-for-emotion-1235201484/[2] https://www.screencrush.com/ryan-reynolds-star-wars-r-rated/[3] https://www.ign.com/articles/ryan-reynolds-pitches-r-rated-star-wars-property[5] https://www.collider.com/deadpool-ryan-reynolds-star-wars-r-rated-projects/[6] https://www.insidetv.com/news/star-wars-andor-acolyte-exploring-darker-themes-rc04765/#:~:text=The%20Star%20Wars%20universe%20is,to%20these%20darker%20themes%20introduced%20in%20Andor.%E2%80%9D&text=Andor,without%20overt%20sexual%20content%2C%20but%20touching%20on%20more%20explicit%20territory%20as%20compared%20to%20previous%20Star%20Wars%20series%20and%20movies%20-%20but%20nothing%20like%20what%20violent%20turmoil%20we%20see%20in,The%20Mandalorian.%E2%80%9D
- Persistent discussions about an R-rated Star Wars project have surfaced, with Gizmodo and Io9 reporting on Ryan Reynolds' pitch to Disney for a more emotionally resonant, mature Star Wars property.
- Reynolds, who has previously had success with R-rated films like Deadpool, suggested the idea as a possible soft pitch, aiming to challenge the traditional family-friendly image of Star Wars movies in favor of more profound storytelling.
- Movies-and-TV and The Hollywood Reporter have reported that with the recent release of Andor and The Acolyte, Star Wars has started experimenting with more explicit themes, hinting at a potential shift toward R-rated content in the future of the entertainment franchise.
