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Ryan Reynolds has cemented his place as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, and theDeadpoolfranchise is at the heart of his meteoric success. The Canadian actor, known for his sharp wit and infectious charm, took a huge financial risk when he signed on to star inDeadpoolwith a relatively low salary compared to his blockbuster status. But in trueDeadpoolfashion, Reynolds proved that his earnings could have been astronomical if he hadn’t chosen to take a different approach.

Deadpool(2016): The Game Changer
The firstDeadpoolmovie, released in 2016, was a gamble for both 20th Century Studios and Ryan Reynolds. With a modest budget of $58 million, the studio wasn’t expecting the film to smash box-office records, but that’s exactly what it did.Deadpoolearned over $780 million worldwide, becoming one of the highest-grossing R-rated films ever, according toBox Office Mojo..
Reynolds was integral to the project, having been passionate about bringing the foul-mouthed anti-hero to life for over a decade. His dedication paid off, but not just in dollars. His base salary forDeadpoolwas a modest $2 million.

However, thanks to backend deals and a share of the film’s profits, Reynolds ended up making close to $22 million. Had he taken a more aggressive approach to his compensation, the earnings could have been much higher, given the movie’s overwhelming success.
Deadpool 2(2018): The Sequel That Soared
Following the massive success of the first film,Deadpool 2was inevitable. Released in 2018, the film slightly outperformed its predecessor, raking in $785 million globally, according toBox Office Mojo. This time around, Reynolds’ star power was undeniable, and he likely earned a base salary of at least $20 million. However, just like the first film, his backend deals ensured he walked away with a considerable portion of the profits, bringing his total earnings for the sequel to an estimated $30–40 million.
Despite these impressive numbers, one can’t help but wonder: if Reynolds had negotiated harder on upfront salaries and backend percentages, his earnings from theDeadpoolfranchise could have easily crossed $100 million for just these two films.

Deadpool & Wolverine: A Record-Breaking Blockbuster
Deadpool & Wolverinetook the franchise to an entirely new level. Released in 2024, the film featured Hugh Jackman’s return as Wolverine, adding even more star power to the highly anticipated sequel. The movie not only met expectations—it shattered records.
In just 23 days,Deadpool & Wolverinebecame the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time, earning $1.086 billion globally. It grossed $516.8 million domestically and $568.8 million internationally, breaking the previous R-rated box office record set byJoker(2019), which had earned just under $1.08 billion, according toBox Office Mojo.

Why Deadpool And Wolverine Worked & The Flash Failed (VIDEO)
Reynolds, as both star and producer, likely secured another lucrative backend deal for this film. Given the film’s record-breaking success, his earnings are expected to soar once again. Though his total compensation package forDeadpool & Wolverinehasn’t been publicly disclosed, it is certain that his total franchise earnings will be pushed to new heights.
Per Movie Salary: Reynolds’ Earnings BeyondDeadpool
Ryan Reynoldshas reached a point in his career where he commands up to $20 million upfront for a single film. For Michael Bay’s6 Underground(2019), Reynolds was paid $27 million upfront—one of his highest base salaries to date. The success ofDeadpoolundoubtedly contributed to his ability to negotiate such substantial deals in subsequent projects.
Ryan Reynolds Shut Down the Biggest Wolverine Criticism With Proof in Deadpool 3, But That Can Badly Backfire if Led Without Caution
Despite his ability to command massive sums, Reynolds’ strategy for theDeadpoolfilms focused more on sharing in the films’ successes rather than securing huge upfront payments. This speaks volumes about his business acumen, but it also suggests that his total Deadpool earnings could have been even larger if he had been less generous.
Ryan Reynolds’ Net Worth and Other Ventures
As of 2024, Ryan Reynolds has an impressive net worth of $350 million, according toCelebrity Net Worth. While hisDeadpoolearnings have played a significant role in boosting his financial status, his entrepreneurial ventures have been equally impactful. His ownership stakes in Aviation Gin and Mint Mobile contributed to substantial wealth accumulation, with the sale of Aviation Gin potentially netting him $67 million and his share in the Mint Mobile acquisition possibly worth over $300 million.
Rishabh Bhatnagar
Editor/Reviewer
Articles Published :315
Rishabh Bhatnagar is an Entertainment and pop culture journalist/editor with Fandom Wire. He has more than 6 years of experience working for multiple major platforms and is himself an avid consumer of worthwhile content. A natural storyteller, Rishabh has a unique way with words and is always looking to improve, as a storyteller, writer, and a journalist.
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