The star power of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman often guarantees headlines, but their notable absence from this year's Golden Globes has set tongues wagging. These Hollywood heavyweights, celebrated for their performances in Marvel Studios' highest-grossing R-rated blockbuster, Deadpool & Wolverine, are choosing to sit this one out.
The film, which shattered records with its $1.33 billion worldwide gross, secured a nomination in the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement category. Yet, neither Reynolds nor Jackman will be there to bask in its success. This decision has fueled speculation, particularly given the timing.
Sources close to the stars confirm that Reynolds and his wife, Blake Lively, made the choice to abstain well before recent controversies surrounding Lively's other project, It Ends With Us. The romantic drama, a $351 million summer hit and a Netflix favorite, has been overshadowed by legal drama involving Lively and co-star/director Justin Baldoni. Allegations of harassment and retaliation have cast a shadow over the project, though insiders insist this was not a factor in Reynolds and Lively's Golden Globes decision.
Blake Lively's cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine further entwines her cinematic journey with her husband's. Yet, her absence from the Golden Globes reinforces the couple's united stance during turbulent times. Nikki Glaser, this year's Globes host, has reportedly chosen to steer clear of the controversy in her material, a reflection of how polarizing the topic has become.
For Reynolds, this isn't his first encounter with Golden Globe buzz. He was nominated in 2017 for Best Actor in a Comedy/Musical for the original Deadpool, a night remembered for his playful kiss with Andrew Garfield after losing to Ryan Gosling. Jackman's history with the Globes is equally illustrious, with four nominations and a win for his stirring performance in Les Misérables. Their absence this year marks a poignant departure from these celebrated moments.
While the industry navigates these challenges, one thing remains clear: Reynolds, Jackman, and Lively are as compelling off-screen as they are on it. Their decision to skip the Golden Globes may speak to their values and priorities more than any red-carpet appearance ever could.
Personal Impressions: This story encapsulates the evolving dynamics of Hollywood—a space where personal values increasingly intersect with professional commitments. Reynolds and Jackman's absence is a reminder of how stars wield their influence subtly, sometimes by choosing not to show up. The juxtaposition of Deadpool & Wolverine's commercial triumph with the fraught backdrop of It Ends With Us is a testament to how success and controversy often coexist in this industry. As a fan of Reynolds' wit and Jackman's gravitas, their silence here feels louder than words. It's a moment that invites reflection on the responsibilities of celebrity in an age of accountability.
Do you think public figures have a responsibility to address controversies head-on, or is silence a more powerful statement? Why?
