Ryan Reynolds wasn’t wearing his Deadpool suit, but that didn’t stop Mayor Scott Gillingham from wanting to talk about films with the Vancouver-born Hollywood movie star.
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Ryan Reynolds wasn’t wearing his Deadpool suit, but that didn’t stop Mayor Scott Gillingham from wanting to talk about films with the Vancouver-born Hollywood movie star.
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Ryan Reynolds wasn’t wearing his Deadpool suit, but that didn’t stop Mayor Scott Gillingham from wanting to talk about films with the Vancouver-born Hollywood movie star.
Reynolds, who appeared at IGM Financial’s 100th anniversary celebration Wednesday at the RBC Convention Centre, took to social media afterward, sharing a photo of himself with Gillingham and trumpeting the province’s tax incentives.
“An incredible place to shoot,” the Instagram post read.
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Mayor Scott Gillingham met Ryan Reynolds Wednesday, who was in town for IGM Financial’s 100th anniversary celebration.
On Thursday, Gillingham said the actor, best known for portraying an irreverant, erratic anti-hero on the big screen, is a “really nice gentleman.”
“A great Canadian,” the mayor said. “It was great to have him in Winnipeg.”
IGM Financial didn’t respond to questions Thursday about the reason Reynolds, who turns 50 Friday, was invited to the event.
Gillingham described his conversation with the Deadpool franchise star and comic actor as “quick and casual.”
They discussed turning 50 and Winnipeg’s film industry reputation.
“(Reynolds) mused about sometime maybe coming to shoot something here,” Gillingham said. “I don’t know if that’s a commitment, but he certainly was musing about it.
“If he comes back to shoot a movie or do anything in film, then we’ll do all we can to help him out.”
Gillingham presented IGM Financial with an award for its centennial milestone.
He said others in the film industry he’s spoken to — including Jon Hamm and a Hallmark executive — have applauded the province’s tax incentives.
Production companies receive up to 65 per cent back on their corporate income tax if they staff their sets with Manitobans.
Another credit — that can’t be used at the same time — returns up to 38 per cent back if directors shoot in the province.
Reynolds donated to the Bruce and Anne Oake Memorial Foundation last year, a day before he and retired Hockey Night in Canada broadcaster Scott Oake were inducted into the Order of Canada.
Reynolds made a video calling substance abuse the “single greatest peace-time problem this country has ever faced,” and lauded the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre’s work.
The foundation didn’t answer an interview request by end of day Thursday. It’s unclear whether Reynolds visited or donated again this year.
gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com
Gabrielle Piché reports on business for the Free Press. She interned at the Free Press and worked for its sister outlet, Canstar Community News, before entering the business beat in 2021. Read more about Gabrielle.
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