Ryan Reynolds opens up on 'killing' Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney out of Deadpool film

Ryan Reynolds has admitted that he was devastated to see his Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney cut out of his recent Deadpool film .

Deadpool & Wolverine hit the big screen last month to rave reviews with Reynolds writing, producing and starring in the lead in the film alongside close friend Hugh Jackman . In a friendly gesture, Wrexham AFC co-owner McElhenney was given a cameo in the film after he flew from Los Angeles to London to shoot earlier this year.

McElhenney had himself teased that he would be in the film, before he was told that his part was axed, with Reynolds now publicly explaining the reason behind it and apologizing to his friend.

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Writing on Instagram, Reynolds said: "A word on my 'darling' friend, @robmcelhenney. Rob very kindly did a cameo in #DeadpoolAndWolverine which will hopefully live on in the digital extras.

"While editing a movie, they say you “sometimes have to kill your darlings.” And with a heavy heart (and through great outside intervention) I had to kill a darling with this cameo.

"The sequence wasn’t working the way we’d originally constructed it. Rob was the only reason it stayed in the cut for as long as it did, because even under a TVA mask and helmet, you can feel him smoldering with a raw and almost infinite reservoir of talent, writerly wit and ‘I create hit TV shows’ swagger. Don’t even get me started on Wrexham. I wouldn’t know a love like Wrexham if it weren’t for Rob McElhenney.

"Anyway, I loved making this movie but it wasn’t without stress. There was a lot of expectation — and I’m pretty sure the most well written villain in cinema history is ‘Expectation.’ And when you do stressful stuff, it feels good when friends are nearby.

"And even though I’m mortified he flew all the way to London for a cameo that wasn’t meant to be, I’m grateful my friend was there with me on that set. When I see Rob, my heart-rate slows and my nervous system stops yelling at me. He shows up for people. And he showed up for me."

Reynolds and McElhenney purchased Wrexham AFC in 2021, guiding them to back-to-back promotions from the National League to League One which has been documented on FX' 'Welcome to Wrexham'.