Reynolds is best known for his comedic roles in films like “Deadpool” and “The Proposal,” while Bridges has taken on more serious dramatic fare in movies like “Crazy Heart” (for which he won an Oscar) and “Hell or High Water.”
The two actors crossed paths when they co-starred in the 2013 supernatural action comedy “R.I.P.D.” While the film itself wasn’t a hit with critics or audiences, it did bring together two talented performers who clearly admired and respected one another. Their on-screen chemistry and off-screen rapport suggest the beginnings of a friendship, even if they haven’t worked together since or made many public appearances as buddies.
Still, Reynolds has spoken highly of Bridges in multiple interviews, praising his talents and positive presence on set. And their limited interactions since “R.I.P.D.” indicate that the two got along well and likely forged a bond working together.
Reynolds on Looking Up to Bridges
In various press interviews for “R.I.P.D.,” Ryan Reynolds made it clear how much he enjoyed working with Hollywood legend Jeff Bridges. Reynolds has always looked up to the veteran actor, even well before they acted side-by-side.
“I’ve been an enormous fan of Jeff long before I was ever even a sputtering thought in this business,” Reynolds told Collider. “Jeff was one of those guys that I think I just responded to his work. I just loved his work so much.”
Reynolds went on to praise Bridges’ versatility and commitment to his roles over his long, illustrious career:
“He can do anything…He commits 110% to everything he does… It’s the kind of performance – and I feel this way about most of his work – that doesn’t feel like acting. It feels like you’re watching somebody just have an experience and you just happen to be following a part of it.”
Clearly, Reynolds holds his “R.I.P.D.” co-star in high esteem. The chance to act alongside someone he considers an icon and role model was a dream come true for the “Deadpool” star.
Bridges as an On-Set Mentor
Beyond just admiring his body of work, Reynolds seemed to cherish the opportunity to be directed by and collaborate with Bridges on “R.I.P.D.”
In multiple interviews, he spoke about what he learned from the veteran actor during filming. How his “mentorship” made the production that much more enjoyable and rewarding.
Speaking with Access Hollywood, Reynolds discussed Bridges’ leadership style on the set of “R.I.P.D.”:
“He brings a kind of zen energy to every single scene…I feel like I’m learning something just sharing air with this guy.”
Reynolds has also referenced Bridges’ mentoring in other interviews when promoting the film:
“I got the opportunity to watch a master like Jeff Bridges under the tutelage of not only Jeff Bridges but also Robert Schwentke, our director. I learned a lot just by being around those guys.” (Collider)
“What I really loved was working with Jeff Bridges every day. For me, that was like going to school… He’s not only a great actor, he [also] directed ‘Crazy Heart.’ So getting to work with him as an actor and getting to work with him as a director teaching me the ropes – I loved it.” (ScreenSlam)
Clearly, Reynolds cherished his time working under the wing of Bridges. Their teacher-student dynamic added a rewarding element to the production and helped strengthen their burgeoning bond.
Mutual Praise and Respect
The high esteem and admiration seem to go both ways between Reynolds and Bridges. In interviews over the years, Bridges has also sung his co-star’s praises. He once called Reynolds “amazing” (Collider) and complimented his improvisational talents:
“Ryan’s a terrific improviser. I loved improvising with him. I could throw out the craziest thing and he could just take it and run with it. So that was a lot of fun.” (ScreenSlam)
The joy they seemed to find playing off each other in scenes suggests a lighthearted chemistry between the two.
In addition to having fun together on set, they also appear to simply respect each other as professionals. When asked about Reynolds potentially joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe (which of course later happened with “Deadpool”), Bridges enthusiastically endorsed the idea:
“I think he’d make a great addition to that team…He’s quick and he’s funny. But he’s also a strong actor and he can handle the action stuff. So yeah, I think it’d be great to see him in there.” (Collider)
Conversely, Reynolds has praised the dedication Bridges brings to his roles:
“Jeff is one of those actors who is completely ego-free when he works…He brings a kind of effortlessness [to] everything he does.” (Access Hollywood)
Limited Public Interactions Post-“R.I.P.D.”
Though they’ve had nothing but kind things to say about each other in interviews, Reynolds and Bridges haven’t necessarily been spotted “hanging out” much since their time together on “R.I.P.D.”
Celebrities often have private lives away from the public spotlight, however, so it’s certainly possible the two have bonded more behind the scenes. There just isn’t much documented evidence of any notable public interactions between them since their 2013 film.
They did both attend Entertainment Weekly’s Comic-Con party in 2016. But there didn’t seem to be any especially warm reunion between them captured by press.
Of course, that brief red carpet encounter three years after “R.I.P.D.” doesn’t provide much insight one way or the other. It’s very possible Reynolds and Bridges have developed a friendship over the years. There simply aren’t many recent public sightings indicating a tight-knit personal bond.
Then again, their busy shooting schedules and family lives could make it difficult to sync up in-person hangouts. So while they may not be spotted palling around Los Angeles, it’s feasible they’ve kept in touch privately.
The Potential For a Lasting Friendship
Despite a lack of documented public outings together post-“R.I.P.D.,” Ryan Reynolds’ abundant praise of Jeff Bridges over the years suggests the two formed a special on-set kinship that could have blossomed into a lasting friendship.
As previously noted, Reynolds has repeatedly raved about what an incredible experience it was to work with Bridges. How he admired and learned from the veteran performer over the course of production. Developing that type of mentor-mentee bond often leads to strong off-screen relationships as well.
And Reynolds in particular is known for keeping friendships with former co-stars. For instance, he’s said to be close pals with “The Proposal” co-star Sandra Bullock and “Self/Less” co-star Ben Kingsley. So it’s not unbelievable that he’d forge a similar lasting connection with Bridges.
In Reynolds’ own words:
“I made a friend for life [working on ‘R.I.P.D.’] in Jeff Bridges.” (Access Hollywood)
Of course, only Reynolds and Bridges know the full depth of their relationship. But Reynolds’ effusive praise over several years certainly hints that he at least hopes they’ll remain close going forward.
Perhaps they swap showbiz advice in private phone calls. Or maybe they’ve connected more recently to reminisce about their positive “R.I.P.D.” experience. It’s even possible they’ve secretly met up for dinner with their wives or on fishing trips.
The truth is, we can only speculate about Reynolds and Bridges’ off-screen friendship since they wrapped production on their film together. Their comments make it clear they share an immense mutual respect. And Reynolds’ words seem to tease there’s a bond that goes beyond just professional courtesy.
Shared Perspectives as Veteran Hollywood Players
If Reynolds and Bridges have in fact developed a friendship since “R.I.P.D.,” their ability to relate to one another’s experiences likely helps strengthen that bond.
As veterans of the entertainment industry, they share perspectives on navigating the highs and lows. Both Reynolds and Bridges have been working actors since the early 1990s. They understand the hustle required to sustain careers spanning multiple decades.
In interviews, Reynolds has spoken candidly about his struggles with anxiety and unease with fame, especially early on. No doubt Bridges can relate, having been in the public eye even longer going back to high-profile roles like “The Last Picture Show” in the 70s.
