Ryan Reynolds Wants to Make Star Wars R-Rated—And Disney Might Actually Say Yes

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Ryan Reynolds disclosed that he proposed an adult-oriented “Star Wars” film. The horizon for “Star Wars” appears more radiant than ever, as the series prepares to reappear on the big screen next year with “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” However, while we eagerly await these upcoming episodes, Lucasfilm is actively working on future “Star Wars” movies – and it looks like they received an intriguing proposal from an unexpected source.

On The Box Office Podcast, Ryan Reynolds shared that he proposed the concept of a mature-rated (R-rated) Star Wars film to Disney during a conversation with Scott Mendelson.

I proposed an idea to Disney: ‘Why not create an adult-rated Star Wars franchise? It doesn’t necessarily mean profanity; instead, it could serve as a vehicle for powerful emotions. Studios seem hesitant to take risks with something like this.’ I often ponder why they don’t dare to roll the dice on such a concept.

There’s More To An R-Rating Than Blood & Gore

It’s interesting to note that Reynolds’ comments seem less about specific franchises and more about a broader critique of them. When he mentions an R-rating, it’s not about explicit content; instead, it seems he sees such a rating as essential for deep emotional depth. To some extent, he might be correct, given that the most mature, intricate, and character-driven Star Wars series yet, Andor, is undeniably more complex than typical offerings.

Tony Gilroy, the mastermind behind the hit series “Andor,” has subtly suggested a possible horror-themed addition to the “Star Wars” universe. According to Gilroy, his popular TV production could pave the way for an entirely fresh genre of “Star Wars” narratives. It’s clear that Ryan Reynolds would concur with this exciting prospect.

Our Take On An R-Rated Star Wars Movie

It’s surprising, but the fans’ enthusiasm for an R-rated Star Wars movie might actually be our main challenge. There’s a lot of chatter about it online, and many seem to view the R-rating as a chance for excessive violence. A common suggestion is that an R-rated film should portray Darth Vader, slaughtering his enemies brutally. The issue lies in that fans might focus on “R-rated Star Wars” instead of character development and subtlety.

To put it simply, an R-rating isn’t necessarily crucial for developing complex characters. What truly matters is a robust creative vision and a writer who prioritizes character development over Easter eggs and audience gratification. The R-rated Star Wars that Reynolds imagines might not be necessary after all – it’s rather unsettling to think he considers it essential.

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2025-05-23 21:45