Ryan Reynolds Reveals Son’s Surprising Favorite Movie — And It Features Both Him and Blake Lively!
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Ryan Reynolds, the charismatic actor known for his roles in Deadpool and Green Lantern, recently shared a charming revelation about his youngest son, Olin. During an appearance at the 2025 TIME100 Summit in New York, Reynolds disclosed that Olin, who was 2 years old at the time, has a surprising favorite movie—Green Lantern (2011). This quirky family detail not only provides insight into Olin’s entertainment preferences but also gives a rare glimpse into the private lives of one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples, Reynolds and Blake Lively.
Family Background and Context
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, who married in 2012, have four children together: James (born December 2014), Inez (born September 2016), Betty (born October 2019), and Olin (born February 2023). Despite their high-profile careers, the couple has always been protective of their children’s privacy, rarely sharing public appearances or intimate details about their lives. However, Reynolds has occasionally provided fans with small, heartwarming anecdotes about family life, such as this latest revelation.
Their family dynamic is further enriched by their close friendship with singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, who is the godmother to their daughters. Swift has also incorporated the names of their children into her music, with the song “Betty” from her Folklore album being a notable example. These connections to the world of entertainment add a layer of cultural significance to the family’s public image, though in this case, the spotlight is squarely on little Olin’s movie preferences.
Olin’s Favorite Movie: Green Lantern
During the 2025 TIME100 Summit, Reynolds humorously shared that Olin’s favorite movie is Green Lantern, a 2011 superhero film in which Reynolds stars as Hal Jordan, the titular Green Lantern, and Lively plays his love interest, Carol Ferris. Reynolds joked, “It’s my son’s favorite movie, he’s 2,” acknowledging that Olin watches it frequently and even jokingly adding, “It’s just everyday, you’re like, ‘Oh, I need to heal this, I see.’”
The revelation of Olin’s love for Green Lantern is both endearing and surprising, considering the movie’s mixed critical reception upon its release. Despite the film’s commercial disappointment at the time, Green Lantern holds a special place in the Reynolds-Lively household, perhaps due to the emotional connection Olin has with seeing both of his parents on screen together.
The Significance of Green Lantern in the Family
While Green Lantern was not a major hit with critics, it has clearly gained a unique significance for the Reynolds family. According to People Magazine, Reynolds expressed pride in his son’s taste in movies, even if the film didn’t achieve commercial success. Another article from HELLO! Magazine noted that Green Lantern has developed a “cult following” in their home, thanks to Olin’s repeated viewings. Reynolds himself credits the movie’s underperformance for inspiring his entrepreneurial ventures, including his production company, Maximum Effort, giving further depth to the film’s role in his family’s narrative.
Analysis of Parental Roles and Movie Selection
Olin’s preference for Green Lantern is particularly intriguing, given his young age. At just 2 years old, children typically gravitate toward movies with bright visuals and familiar figures, often influenced by parental engagement. With both of his parents starring in the film, Olin may feel a special connection to the characters and the film itself. The superhero elements, vibrant green energy constructs, and action sequences may also captivate a toddler’s imagination, even if the movie was designed for an older audience.
Reynolds’ lighthearted remark about Olin “healing” through repeated viewings suggests that Green Lantern has become a kind of bonding activity for the family. This aligns with Reynolds and Lively’s approach to parenting, which prioritizes normalcy despite their fame. In interviews, Reynolds has shared that he and Lively work hard to ensure that their children are raised in an environment that’s as grounded as possible, focusing on family and emotional connection rather than the pressures of celebrity life. For instance, Today magazine highlighted Reynolds’ commitment to parenting discussions, where he emphasized the importance of creating a nurturing, private world for his kids.
Conclusion
Ryan Reynolds’ recent revelation about Olin’s favorite movie, Green Lantern, offers a sweet and humorous insight into his family life. While the film may not have been a commercial or critical success, it holds a special place in the Reynolds-Lively home, likely due to its personal connection and the presence of both parents. This charming story serves as a reminder that even in the glitzy world of Hollywood, family dynamics remain a driving force, and for Reynolds, the greatest joy may come from sharing moments of joy and connection with his children—no matter the movie.