Ryan Reynolds Breaks Silence on Heartfelt Regret Over Deadpool 2’s Missing Tribute to Rob Delaney’s Son
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Ryan Reynolds, known for his comedic charm and quick wit, recently shared a deeply personal moment of regret regarding the release of Deadpool 2. The actor expressed remorse for not including a tribute to Rob Delaney’s late son, Henry, in the film’s credits, a decision he now reflects on with genuine sorrow.
Henry Delaney, just two years old, tragically passed away in February 2018 from a brain tumor. His death occurred shortly after filming for Deadpool 2 concluded but before the film hit theaters. Despite being a part of the Deadpool family, Reynolds missed the opportunity to honor Henry in the credits of the film, a decision that weighed heavily on him. In a candid Instagram post, Reynolds shared, “I’ve always kicked my own ass because I didn’t place a tribute to Henry over the end credits of DP2.”
The oversight became a source of regret for Reynolds, who is known for his strong sense of responsibility towards his colleagues and the projects he works on. This personal guilt drove him to ensure that a tribute would be included in the next installment, Deadpool & Wolverine, which would reach an even broader audience due to its immense success as the highest-grossing R-rated film.
Honoring Henry and the Delaney Family
To make amends, Reynolds made sure that Henry’s name would be included in the credits of Deadpool & Wolverine with the dedication, “For Henry Delaney.” This simple yet heartfelt gesture allowed the young boy’s memory to be shared with millions of moviegoers, offering a sense of healing for Delaney, his family, and Reynolds himself.
Reynolds also took the opportunity to praise Rob Delaney, who portrayed Peterpool (also known as Peter Wisdom) in both Deadpool 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine. Acknowledging Delaney’s tremendous resilience in the face of such a profound loss, Reynolds referred to his co-star’s memoir, A Heart That Works, as “an incredible piece of writing.” The memoir, which delves into Delaney’s grief and the emotions that accompany the loss of a child, left a profound impact on Reynolds. He described it as “unfiltered, rageful, loving, sad and hilarious,” capturing the raw and multifaceted nature of Delaney’s experience.
A Father and Son Together at Last
The inclusion of the tribute in Deadpool & Wolverine was also influenced by the film’s widespread reach. Reynolds reflected on the bittersweet aspect of the decision, noting that while it came later than he wished, it provided an opportunity for even more people to see Henry’s name displayed in the credits. “If there’s a bright side, even more people are seeing Henry’s name in the credits of Deadpool & Wolverine. And at long last, father and son are sharing the same screen,” Reynolds remarked.
This decision highlighted Reynolds’ desire not only to honor Henry posthumously but also to show support for Delaney during one of the most difficult times in his life. The tribute was a moment of connection, not only between the Deadpool team but also for audiences who were unaware of the heartbreaking story behind the scenes.
A Lesson in Vulnerability and Support
Reynolds’ decision to publicly reflect on his oversight and share it with his audience speaks to a level of vulnerability that fans rarely see from their favorite celebrities. It’s a reminder that behind the glitz and glam of Hollywood, there are real people dealing with real, often painful, experiences. In sharing his feelings, Reynolds showcased the importance of being present and supportive in the face of a colleague’s grief—especially when that grief intersects with the professional world they share.
As a public figure, Reynolds often uses his platform to spread positivity and humor. But with this tribute to Henry Delaney, he reminded us all that there are moments when humor must take a backseat, and the heart must lead.