Dynamic Duo: A Conversation with Shawn Levy and Ryan Reynolds, Moderated by Kevin McCarthy

Shawn Levy, YC ’89, P ’25 and Ryan Reynolds are one of Hollywood’s most dynamic duos, collaborating on three hit films since 2019 that have collectively grossed over $1.6 billion worldwide. Each of these successful projects, directed by Levy, starring Reynolds, and co-produced by both, highlights their remarkable ability to craft films that entertain and resonate with global audiences. 

Their first collaboration, Free Guy (2021), was a massive success, becoming the highest-grossing original film of the year.  

The duo reunited for Netflix’s beloved The Adam Project (2022). In its first 28 days, it was streamed by over 92 million households. As of today, it ranks among the top 3 most-streamed films on Netflix, with a total of over 281 million hours viewed. 

Most recently, Levy and Reynolds co-produced and co-wrote Marvel's Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), which shattered multiple records. It was the biggest R-rated opening of all time and became the highest-grossing R-rated film in cinematic history, with over $1.3 billion in global box office earnings. The film is now ranked among the top-grossing movies of all time.  

Levy and Reynolds have developed a strong creative synergy, with a joint ability to blend singular visual spectacle with physical and verbal comedy, creating movies packed with unique and imaginative action, resonant themes and authentic warmhearted humanism. 

Join Levy and Reynolds, along with film journalist, Kevin McCarthy, for a dynamic conversation about the entertainment industry, the nature of cinematic storytelling, and the unique collaborative dynamic that has fueled this prolific duo as they together build a successful and constantly evolving body of work.