Ryan Reynolds’ Jimmy Kimmel Interview Backfires as Social Media Goes Savage
Los Angeles — What was expected to be a charming and humorous guest appearance by Ryan Reynolds on Jimmy Kimmel Live! has unexpectedly sparked a wave of backlash, with many social media users calling it cringeworthy, out-of-touch, and tone-deaf.
The appearance, part of Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s press tour for their upcoming film, was structured with Jackman as the main guest and Reynolds taking over as a surprise guest host. Known for his witty one-liners and self-deprecating humor, Reynolds seemed poised to win over the audience with his signature charm. However, things quickly took a turn.
One moment that drew immediate criticism was a joke about his private life with wife Blake Lively. When asked about how things were going at home, Reynolds smirked and replied, “Oh, you know, the sex is totally normal,” followed by an awkward pause. While intended as a lighthearted quip, many viewers found it forced and unnecessary — with some calling it an overshare and others labeling it “weirdly off-brand.”
But the internet wasn’t done there.
Clips from the episode quickly circulated on platforms like Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok, where users criticized Reynolds for appearing overly rehearsed and trying too hard to be relatable. Some viewers commented that the actor seemed out of touch, particularly given the recent controversies surrounding him and Lively, including the ongoing public spat with director Justin Baldoni. The couple had previously come under fire for what some considered thinly veiled jabs on Saturday Night Live, which now seemed to bleed into this interview.
One viral moment showed Kevin Costner, who was also on the show, giving Reynolds a pointed look during a segment that alluded to the Baldoni situation. Fans interpreted the glance as subtle disapproval, with many praising Costner online for “calling out” Reynolds without saying a word.
“Ryan used to be effortlessly funny. Now it feels like he’s performing damage control dressed up as jokes,” one X user wrote. Another added, “This whole thing felt staged and uncomfortable. We just wanted Deadpool energy, not this weird PR spin.”
The backlash quickly snowballed into memes, parody videos, and sarcastic commentary, with hashtags like #CringeReynolds and #JimmyKimmelFail trending across several platforms. Viewers pointed out that Reynolds’ usual charisma fell flat and that his attempt to steer the conversation toward self-deprecating humor felt more like a deflection from recent criticism than genuine comedy.
So far, neither Reynolds nor his team has responded publicly to the online reaction. However, the clip from the interview has already garnered millions of views and has become one of the most talked-about segments of the week. Sentiment analysis shows a majority of reactions have been negative, especially in contrast to his typically positive reception during previous media appearances.
While this interview may not cause lasting damage to Reynolds’ career, it serves as a reminder that even the most beloved celebrities can face pushback when public perception shifts — and in the age of social media, backlash comes fast and hits hard.
