Ryan Reynolds Spills on Sandra Bullock’s Career-Saving Advice After His ‘Actor Jail’ Stint

I’m Riley Carter, and I’m here to give you the lowdown on Ryan Reynolds’ recent revelation about his career struggles. So, let’s get into it. Ryan Reynolds, 48, recently opened up about his not-so-stellar film choices in the past, including the 2011 action sci-fi “Green Lantern” and the 2013 action comedy “R.I.P.D.” At the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, Reynolds confessed that he was in a period he referred to as “actor jail” back in 2014. This was after a string of poorly received movies, including the aforementioned flops, which left him feeling like he had lost control over his career.

During a conversation at TIFF, Reynolds revealed that it was his “Proposal” co-star, Sandra Bullock, 61, who helped him navigate this tough time. He praised Bullock, saying that working with her was like “batting the ball with her [was] a dream, and I got better.” Reynolds explained that when you’re working with someone as talented as Bullock, you naturally improve as an actor. This experience was a turning point for him, as he began to rethink his approach to his career.

Reynolds admitted that after the backlash from “Green Lantern,” which had a reported $200 million budget but only grossed $220 million globally, he felt like he had “no authorship” over his career. He expressed a desire to take control of his projects and be the “architect of my own demise” or success. This mindset shift was crucial in helping him move forward and make better choices in his career.

Reynolds also credited other talented actors, such as Rachel Weisz, 55, with whom he starred in the 2008 rom-com “Definitely, Maybe,” for teaching him how to handle the ups and downs of Hollywood. He reflected on how watching these experienced actors perfect their craft while he was still figuring things out was invaluable. Reynolds emphasized the importance of allowing oneself to fail and learn from those experiences.

The “Deadpool” star was in Toronto for the world premiere of the documentary “John Candy: I Like Me,” which follows the life of the late comedian John Candy. Reynolds produced the doc, which was directed by Colin Hanks. Candy, a Canadian comedian, died at 43 after suffering a heart attack. Reynolds grew up as a massive fan of Candy, having first watched him on the Canadian television sketch comedy show SCTV.

Reynolds shared his admiration for Candy’s work, noting that some of his sketches were brilliant while others were not. He appreciated Candy’s willingness to experiment and take risks, which made SCTV special. Reynolds also touched on Candy’s struggles with mental health issues and his tendency to be a people pleaser, which can make it difficult to open up about personal struggles.

The actor got his start on the teen Canadian drama “Fifteen,” which he jokingly referred to as a show where “I also skirted through it without any degree of fame.” Reynolds attributed his Canadian upbringing to helping him stay grounded in the competitive world of Hollywood. He emphasized the importance of keeping a level head and being true to oneself, values that he believes are instilled in Canadians.

Reynolds concluded by highlighting the significance of speaking out about mental health issues and the importance of taking a stand against injustice. His conversation at TIFF offered a glimpse into his personal growth and his appreciation for the experiences that have shaped his career.

Anyway, that’s the deal. Do with it what you will.

Sources: Celebrity Storm and New York Post
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed