Butt, of course
Is actor Ryan Reynolds just as wisecracking as his character Deadpool?
One of the cheeky slogans of upcoming superhero movie Deadpool reads "Bad Ass, Smart Ass, Great Ass".
Yet, when its leading man Ryan Reynolds was asked at the movie's press conference yesterday, who would win in an "ass-off" with Captain America, also a Marvel stalwart, the 39-year-old laughed and hesitated for a while before answering.
He then told the Asian media gathered at Mandarin Oriental Taipei: "Well, Chris Evans, who plays Captain America. He's got a very powerful ass.
"I am from Canada, and Canada is considered America's hat so we have a slightly smaller ass."
When the event's emcee joked that they could make a new superhero movie out of this, Reynolds added in jest: "It could be called Two Asses: Square Off."
For Reynolds, Deadpool - which opens here on Feb 11 - is a labour of love that has been in the making for the past decade.
He was first introduced to the character with a dark, twisted sense of humour in 2005, and he was instantly drawn to it. He went on to play Deadpool in the 2009 superhero flick X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and is finally the star of a solo spin-off.
"There are too many superheroes around that are goody two-shoes and all about saving the world," Reynolds said matter-of-factly.
"With Deadpool, I can say whatever I want and play a character that's morally flexible. It would be nice to see a hero with balls out there."
The movie is rated R (those under 17 require an accompanying parent or adult guardian) in the US and has been banned by China's censors due to violence, nudity and graphic language.
It has not received a rating in Singapore yet.
Based on Marvel Comic's most unconventional anti-hero, Deadpool tells the story of former Special Forces operative-turned-mercenary Wade Wilson (Reynolds) who gains accelerated healing powers and new abilities after undergoing a rogue experiment.
But he ends up with a disfigured face and body.
He then adopts the alter ego Deadpool and hunts down the man responsible for destroying his life to exact revenge.
It also stars Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, T.J. Miller and Gina Carano.
DISFIGURED
When asked how his wife, US actress Blake Lively, would feel if he was disfigured in real life, a candid Reynolds said: "You mean, if I showed up at home with my face looking like a testicle with teeth, will she still love me?"
He added with a laugh: "Marriage is a contract, she has no choice. I am confident she will still love me."
On being able to curse and swear on the set at any time of the day, he said: "Yeah, that's great, but I can't swear too much at home though, I have a one-year-old baby at home."
On Thursday evening, Reynolds walked the red carpet at Deadpool's premiere at Vie Show Cinemas in Taipei, which attracted more than 1,000 fans who welcomed him with screams and cheers.
The affable heart-throb returned the affection by taking time to sign autographs and take selfies with the crowd.
In Asia to promote his new film, Reynolds said he would love to collaborate with stars like Tony Jaa, Chow Yun Fat and Jet Li, if he has the chance.
He said: "I grew up watching Jet Li and wanted to emulate his moves. It would be great to work with him."
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