What does Ryan Reynolds think about Vice President Kamala Harris?
What’s “Deadpool & Wolverine” co-star Hugh Jackman’s take on J.D. Vance’s cat lady comments?
Not a clue? That’s no accident.
While many stars have thrown their support behind Harris in recent days, Reynolds and Jackman have spent the last few weeks in pure promotion mode.
Funny videos. Red carpet premieres. Chomping insanely hot wings for our bemusement.
Few actors can measure up to Reynolds in the marketing department. He lifted the “Deadpool” franchise up on his shoulders in 2016, understanding the character lacked mainstream recognition and a budget comparable to a Superman feature.
So Reynolds improvised, creating hilarious videos and memes to introduce Deadpool to America. Spoiler alert: It worked.
He’s also a key player behind Mint Mobile, leveraging his charm and celebrity clout to boost the company’s fortunes.
Reynolds’s unconventional marketing strategies propelled the company’s growth, culminating in its recent $1.35 billion acquisition by T-Mobile. The deal was announced in March 2023 and finalized by May 1 after receiving regulatory approval. Reynolds will remain a key figure, ensuring the brand retains its distinct appeal within T-Mobile. Estimates suggest Reynolds could net $300 million from the sale since he owned around 25% of the company.
Meanwhile, Jackman’s “Let’s put on a show” moxie has powered him for more than two decades in Hollywood. He’s as versatile as he is charming, a professional chameleon who keeps political matters out of his celebrity banter.
The two generate the kind of goodwill that’s increasingly rare these days. They may be the most likable stars not named Keanu Reeves.
They’re also dedicated to making movie-goers happy. “Deadpool & Wolverine” is an R-rated mash note to anyone who feels like a kid again watching superhero movies. No woke nonsense. Just pure entertainment.
Their positive brands didn’t push the film over the top by itself. The film is the third entry in a popular franchise, and pairing two beloved MCU characters proved irresistible.
It sure helped, though.
Why does this matter in 2024? Look around.
Hollywood is having a summer moment thanks to the shocking success of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” “Despicable Me 4” and “Inside Out 2.” Beyond that, the industry is undergoing seismic shifts across the board.
Streaming platforms are struggling to make ends meet. Wannabe blockbusters like “The Fall Guy” crashed and burned earlier this year.
The industry can no longer insult half the country and still giggle all the way to the bank. Just ask the team behind “Twisters,” a film that avoided Climate Change lectures that might alienate wary audiences.
Even The New York Times is admitting the obvious.
Stars won’t stop being both political and/or divisive. Some, like Tom Hanks, do so in ways that are neither angry nor disruptive. Others? Not so much. And it shows.
Actors should consider the Ryan and Hugh approach to fame. It might just add a few years to their careers (and zeroes to their bank accounts).
The post Dear Hollywood: Be Like Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman appeared first on Hollywood in Toto.
0 Comments