Lucasfilm Made the Right Call by Rejecting Ryan Reynolds’s R-Rated Star Wars Movie

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After the initial success of a movie universe like Star Wars, maintaining that level of financial and cultural triumph is challenging. Some fans prefer sticking to characters and stories that have worked in the past, while others think the universe should explore new ideas. Regarding Star Wars, it’s clear that turning down the “R-rated” movie idea pitched by Ryan Reynolds was the right decision. As a fan of his work, I don’t mean to criticize Reynolds but rather share my view as a Star Wars fan who disagrees with an R-rated Star Wars film. The upcoming series Andor shows that such a movie isn’t necessary for the universe. In a recent interview, an actor expressed interest in making an R-rated film within the Star Wars universe.

Ryan Reynolds expressed that he didn’t wish to act in the film, explaining it wouldn’t align well with his role. However, he remains keen on contributing to the scriptwriting and production of the movie. To make things clearer, he was not suggesting a crossover between Deadpool and Star Wars. Instead, Reynolds referred to the R-rating as a means to deliver emotions rather than vulgarity. He also proposed his idea wouldn’t revolve around overpowered characters but would delve into lesser-known characters within the Star Wars universe, such as bounty hunters or underworld figures. Even new characters like those created by Jon Favreau in The Mandalorian, such as Din Djarin and Grogu, could be possibilities. Reynolds believed that his concept would revitalize the Star Wars franchise by offering a fresh twist, but it was ultimately turned down by Lucasfilm. Although the ambition is commendable, it’s beneficial that they rejected him since more mature Star Wars stories for adults are needed, not just those receiving an “R” rating from the MPAA.

The Success Ryan Reynolds Had With Deadpool Inspired R-Rated Marvel Movies

James Mangold’s Logan Only Exists Because of the Merc With the Foul Mouth

Although not Marvel’s initial R-rated film, Deadpool was an unexpected triumph largely championed by Ryan Reynolds. Its impact resonated across other productions, such as… The film’s positive response offered evidence to Hollywood producers that comic book characters are not confined to the realm of childish entertainment. A motion picture could remain true to its roots, embodying the essence of its characters, while also incorporating the level of graphic violence, sexuality, and intense action reminiscent of 1970s action movies – a significant feat indeed.

When Disney acquired the 20th Century Fox studio, it set up Deadpool, played by Reynolds, to potentially interact with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This prospect sparked concerns among fans that Disney’s influence might alter the character in his first Marvel Studios film. However, the studio silenced the doubters with “Deadpool & Wolverine,” managing to keep the essence of the first two films while delivering a box office hit.

R-Rated Marvel Movies
Movie	Release Year
The Punisher	1989
Blade	1998
Blade II	2002
Blade Trinity	2004
The Punisher	2004
Punisher: War Zone	2008
Deadpool	2016
Logan	2017
Deadpool II	2018
Deadpool & Wolverine	2024

Given the circumstances, it appears that Lucasfilm could profit immensely from Reynolds’ proposition for an R-rated Star Wars film. His past achievements demonstrate his ability to create mature narratives, even with properties initially intended for children. Either Disney or Lucasfilm should consider developing whatever science fiction or fantasy movie Reynolds envisions, but it shouldn’t be connected to the Star Wars universe. Although both franchises share some similarities, what he accomplished with Marvel would likely not have the same impact on the galaxy far, far away.

Why Lucasfilm Was Right to Reject Reynolds’ Pitch for an R-Rated Star Wars Movie

The Formula That Worked for Deadpool Wouldn’t Apply to George Lucas’s Universe

Following the fanbase of Logan, some are questioning Lucasfilm’s decision to bring on board David Benioff and D.B Weiss. Regardless of one’s opinion about the ending of Game of Thrones, their departure from Lucasfilm underscores that this may not be the best strategy.

Originally, when George Lucas created Star Wars, his epic space saga differed significantly from the darker, morally complex films of his contemporaries in the 1970s like Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, and others. His intention was to offer something unique to audiences, particularly children, who were yearning for something they didn’t realize they wanted yet.

Following the triumph of the initial movie, numerous studios released science fiction films in a bid to replicate the impact and lasting appeal achieved by Lucas with his film. However, what truly sets the “Star Wars” universe apart isn’t its impressive production design, visual effects, or even the storytelling structure (drawn from “the Hero’s Journey”). It’s not even Lucas’s talent for coining terms such as “Jedi” and “Wampa,” which seem like they’ve been part of English forever. Instead, what makes “Star Wars” extraordinary is the strong ethical, philosophical, and thematic basis upon which it’s constructed.

The first time I ever watched a movie in a theater was back in 1983 when I saw “Return of the Jedi”. It left such an incredible impression on me, and I couldn’t help but crave more. Fast forward sixteen years later, and although the distinctive features had changed, it still felt like the same universe. The Star Wars prequel trilogy maintained the themes of institutional flaws, the mysterious bond shared among all living entities, and the notion that being “good” is about making a selfless decision that improves the world around us.

The Andor Series Is the Perfect Example of What Star Wars for Adults Should Be

Despite the Maturity In Tony Gilroy’s Storytelling, Kids Could Still Watch the Show

With the passing of time, as Star Wars fans from my generation grew older, particularly following the release of the Prequel Trilogy and The Clone Wars, many shared Ryan Reynolds’ sentiment. Instead of expressing their dissatisfaction directly, they often spoke about a sense of unease. Often, this unease centered around elements like scantily clad Twi’lek aliens resembling Oola from Jabba’s palace, graphic lightsaber fights leading to dismemberment, and most distressingly, a narrative veering away from the moral clarity that defined the original films. Although these ideas aren’t inherently problematic, they simply don’t embody the spirit of Star Wars as we know it.

right from the start, George Lucas infused these tales with a profound political undertone, clearly reflecting his views on authoritarianism, systemic corruption, and self-interest. Often, these underlying themes were overshadowed by the concept of the Force, though intelligent, it can sometimes hinder story development. The black-and-white distinction between the Light Side and the Dark Side tends to simplify who is “virtuous” and who is “evil.

The original Star Wars trilogy presented the Force philosophy more clearly, but when fans analyze it thoroughly as adults, the ambiguity disappears. However, creating an adult Star Wars story, as Reynolds suggests, could potentially lead to storytellers mishandling these crucial elements in their quest for an R-rating, which might give the movie a competitive edge.

As a movie reviewer, I can’t help but sing praises for the masterful creation that is “Andor”. This series truly encapsulates what Star Wars could be when tailored for adult audiences. Unlike the more family-friendly offerings, it doesn’t shy away from the raw and unapologetic exploration of political themes – something usually left to subtle innuendo. It boldly reinvents George Lucas’s formula, offering a narrative that resonates deeply with mature viewers.

While the moral conundrums it presents may not be entirely dissimilar thematically to those found in “The Clone Wars”, the way they are presented is starker and more explicit, making for a thought-provoking viewing experience. In essence, “Andor” takes Star Wars to a grown-up level, delving into the complexities of the galaxy far, far away that we all know and love.

The distinction lies in the fact that even children realize that engaging in war was a mistake all along. However, when the adversary is the Empire, the battle seems justified, which prompts intriguing debates about how far one should go to vanquish such an undeniably evil enemy. I share Ryan Reynolds’ sentiment that Deadpool doesn’t fit in the Star Wars universe. Nevertheless, this tale has enough emotional depth that it doesn’t require an R-rated vehicle like Deadpool to introduce additional layers of emotion. From the live-action films to animated series like Star Wars: Rebels, these stories evoke feelings that resonate beyond their intended age groups.

Andor showcased a profound emotional depth while weaving an adult narrative without resorting to typical elements associated with R-rated films. It was wise of Lucasfilm to dismiss Reynolds’ pitch since targeting an R-rating may not be the best method for creating a Star Wars story tailored for adults. Not every mature-themed story automatically possesses maturity, and Andor demonstrated what Star Wars can achieve when it caters to adult audiences. This is the direction future storytellers should consider following.

You can stream both the Deadpool movies starring Ryan Reynolds and the full collection of Star Wars films and series on Disney+’s platform.

2025-06-05 06:21