Reynolds Reveals R-Rated Star Wars Pitch to Disney

Ryan Reynolds has revealed that he presented an R-rated Star Wars concept to Disney, though it remains uncertain whether the project will move forward.

The Deadpool star discussed some of his non-Marvel ventures in an interview on The Box Office Podcast. While he didn't disclose whether Disney approved the idea or if it would be a film or series, he did share insights into his creative vision for such a project.

“I pitched to Disney, suggesting, ‘Why not develop an R-rated Star Wars property?’” Reynolds explained. “It wouldn’t need to focus on major A-list characters—there are so many other figures to explore. An R-rating isn’t about being offensive; it’s a vehicle for deeper emotional storytelling. I’ve never understood why studios shy away from taking that kind of artistic risk.”

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Reynolds has a strong track record with R-rated films. He played key roles in three of the top five highest-grossing R-rated movies ever made: Deadpool, Deadpool 2, and Deadpool & Wolverine. The latter, released last year, teamed Reynolds with Hugh Jackman and currently holds the record as the highest-earning R-rated film worldwide, grossing over $1.3 billion (according to Box Office Mojo).

“I’m not saying I’d want to star in it—that wouldn’t be right for me,” Reynolds noted.

It's unclear whether an R-rated Star Wars film or show would achieve similar success, but Reynolds confirmed the idea intrigues him. However, he would prefer a behind-the-camera role rather than appearing on screen.

“I’m not saying I would want to be in it; that would be a bad fit,” Reynolds continued. “I’d prefer to produce, write, or contribute creatively off-screen. Franchises like Star Wars thrive on scarcity and surprise. With Disney+, we may not get scarcity, but there’s still room to deliver the unexpected.”

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Meanwhile, Reynolds isn’t finished with Marvel. Although he’s skeptical about Deadpool joining the Avengers, sources report that he has been quietly advocating for a Deadpool and X-Men crossover film for some time.

As for Star Wars, it may be a long time before an R-rated project materializes. To learn more about how Disney is expanding the galaxy far, far away, check out updates on Star Wars: Starfighter, a film being developed by Shawn Levy, a frequent Reynolds collaborator. While information is limited, it’s confirmed that Barbie star Ryan Gosling is set to appear.