Ryan Reynolds References This Thanksgiving Classic in Every Deadpool Movie

Ryan Reynolds References This Thanksgiving Classic in Every Deadpool Movie

As a cinephile who’s spent countless hours poring over films from every era and genre, I must confess that Ryan Reynolds’ affection for the timeless classic “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” has truly warmed my cinematic heart. The movie, with its charming performances and heartwarming story, is a staple in many households during Thanksgiving. But for Reynolds, it seems to be more than just a holiday watch; it’s a source of inspiration that he weaves into his work, particularly the Deadpool series.


One of the most interesting things about movies — and indeed most entertainment — is how they are often influenced by other movies. It’s not uncommon to sit down to watch a film and notice nods and references or other aspects of inspiration from other films or even to hear filmmakers talk about the movies that inspired them. When it comes to Marvel films in particular, there is one movie that has had a major impact over a very specific corner of the universe, thanks to Ryan Reynolds. That film is the beloved Thanksgiving classic Planes, Trains and Automobiles — and Reynolds loves the movie so much he’s found ways to reference it in all three Deadpool films to date.

Released back in 1987 on November 25th, the movie titled “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” was penned, produced, and helmed by John Hughes, featuring Steve Martin and John Candy in starring roles. The story revolves around Neal (Martin), a strict, meticulous marketing executive, and Del (Candy), a bothersome yet good-intentioned salesman. When their flight gets diverted, they find themselves unwitting travel partners on a three-day odyssey to reach Chicago in time for Neal’s family Thanksgiving gathering. The film was warmly received by audiences and critics alike upon its release and enjoyed box office success. Over the years, it has become a cherished Thanksgiving tradition for many, with watching “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” becoming as much a part of their celebration as watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or football games.

Ryan Reynolds References This Thanksgiving Classic in Every Deadpool Movie

But for Reynolds, the film is much more than just a good holiday watch. For the actor, there is rich meaning in the film, particularly Candy’s performance as Del.  Earlier this year, Reynolds sat down with Turner Classic Movies’ Ben Mankiewicz to talk about the film and in the conversation expressed his love for Planes, Trains and Automobiles. He particularly spoke about the vulnerability and humanity that Candy delivers in his performance of Del — in the film, as the story progresses, we see bits and pieces of the pain just under Del’s friendly-slash-annoying surface and, eventually, are made privy to the real loneliness and suffering he’s masking.

“Netflix has unveiled its most outrageous holiday movie yet, and it’s currently leading the pack in popularity.

In the film “Planes, Trains [and Automobiles]”, John Candy’s performance offers a unique insight into his vulnerability and humanity, aspects rarely seen in his other films. His character, who appears overly clingy and annoying to Steve Martin’s character, serves as an example of maladaptive coping mechanisms that people use to navigate life’s harsh realities or emotional pain. This character, in essence, provides a comforting distraction, helping him move from one place to another. Candy’s portrayal in this movie is deeply moving and heartbreaking, as it reveals the reasons behind his clingy behavior.

As a passionate cinephile, I’ve always found myself drawn to the charm of “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” This affection is evidently reflected in Ryan Reynolds’ work, particularly in the Deadpool series. In an exclusive interview, Reynolds shared that he deliberately incorporates homages to this classic film in each installment.

As a dedicated admirer, I infuse elements from “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” into almost every aspect of my work. If you’ve watched “Deadpool 1,” “Deadpool 2,” and the upcoming “Deadpool & Wolverine,” you might have noticed a tribute to John Candy or the movie itself in each one. In fact, every time I license the book that Candy is holding in the airport scene of the original Deadpool movies, I have to pay Paramount $5000, but it’s worth it because I get to incorporate that iconic book into the film and hide it somewhere within the Deadpool universe. Moreover, the writing style in these films is heavily influenced by the unique dynamics between the two characters in “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” which I find to be a truly beautiful odd couple pairing.

The Planes, Trains and Automobiles Nods in the Deadpool Movies

In the Deadpool films, as Reynolds points out, there are numerous nods to the movie “Planes, Trains and Automobiles”. This is evident in each film where Deadpool’s character, Wade Wilson, is seen reading a copy of “The Canadian Mounted”. This subtle reference serves as an Easter egg for keen-eyed fans. Moreover, the film “Deadpool & Wolverine” stands out with its extensive references to Planes, Trains and Automobiles, thematically speaking, as it can be considered a road trip comedy featuring an unusual pairing, much like the original movie.

The main homage remains visually apparent. In the movie, as Deadpool and Wolverine traverse the void, there stands a charred car and a suitcase resembling trunk luggage, both of which are from the film “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” This is a clear tribute to the movie that fans will readily recognize. However, more covertly, the narrative contains similarities. For instance, the altercation between Deadpool and Wolverine in the minivan recalls the scene in “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” where Neal erupts at Del in the hotel room. Though Deadpool and Wolverine escalate their fight to a more violent level during their scuffle in the Honda Odyssey, the underlying tension and overall premise of that confrontation are identical. Additionally, the way “Deadpool & Wolverine” concludes serves as another tribute to “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” Similar to Del, Logan/Wolverine has lost everything, and his loneliness is a significant burden for him. When “Deadpool & Wolverine” ends with Wade inviting Logan to meet his friends, it mirrors Neal bringing Del home for Thanksgiving after bonding with the other man and learning about his tragic life.

It’s possible that the shared themes and powerful emotional bond developed between Logan and Deadpool have transformed “Deadpool” and “Wolverine” into a fitting selection for Thanksgiving viewing, making them ideal companions to “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” this season.

You can stream “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” on Paramount+ as well as for free on Pluto TV. Meanwhile, to watch both “Deadpool & Wolverine” (the entire “Deadpool” series) head over to Disney+.

Read More

2024-11-16 20:10