Will Reynolds skip the Oscars for family?
The 2025 Oscars rumor mill is abuzz with speculation, with whispers suggesting a dream duo of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman as potential hosts. However, recent updates reveal a shift in Reynolds’ priorities and a polite rejection of the hosting role for the 97th Academy Awards.
In an interview with Variety, the famously witty Ryan Reynolds addressed the rumors surrounding his possible Oscars appearance with longtime friend and collaborator Hugh Jackman. Though he admitted that hosting the Oscars would be a dream come true, he swiftly clarified that he would not be taking on the role in 2025. “Historically speaking, that’s a difficult job,” Reynolds shared, acknowledging the demanding balance between humor, respect, and the sky-high expectations that accompany such a prestigious event.
Instead, Reynolds’ current focus lies on an upcoming cinematic project with Jackman and director Shawn Levy, a venture that promises a refreshing departure from the superhero universe of Deadpool and Wolverine. With this project underway, Reynolds’ schedule has shifted away from the potential of Oscars hosting duties.
The Oscars stage isn’t unfamiliar territory for Jackman, who hosted the awards with charm and finesse in 2009, along with four hosting appearances at the Tony Awards. However, the upcoming Oscars show remains in a bit of suspense, as Jimmy Kimmel, the most recent Oscars host, and John Mulaney, known for his comedic flair, have both declined to host this year. With these rejections, attention naturally gravitated to Reynolds, Jackman, and a few other Hollywood icons, including Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, and Dwayne Johnson.
Amid the ongoing buzz, Reynolds clarified that his reason for declining wasn’t due to a busy schedule. He pointed to his family, explaining that his commitments to his wife Blake Lively and their four children are now his highest priority. “I am not even busy,” he emphasized, underscoring his dedication to his family. “Deadpool & Wolverine,” he added, “consumes my entire life,” from the script’s initial development through its demanding promotional tours. But now, he’s prioritizing quality time with his family over new professional engagements.
The 2025 Oscars, scheduled to air on March 2, 2025, will proceed without Reynolds as host. While he left the door open for a possible Oscars role in the future, for now, family life reigns supreme in Reynolds’ world. The Academy, meanwhile, continues its search for the perfect host, as Hollywood fans eagerly await the announcement of who will ultimately grace the stage.