WARNING: The following contains spoilers for The Adam Project, now streaming on Netflix.
Although Ryan Reynolds is known for starring as the Merc with a Mouth in the raunchy Deadpool franchise, The Adam Project shows a different side of the star. In the latest Netflix family-friendly sci-film, Reynolds delivers a performance that's still action-packed and funny, but it also is emotional and relatable. However, the Merc with a Mouth still found his way into this time-travel adventure, thanks to another actor on the set of The Adam Project.
The Adam Project marks the film debut of actor Walker Scobell, who portrays a younger Adam in the Netflix film. During a press event for The Adam Project, Scobell was asked about the early stages of being in this film. Scobell's main preparation was a bit unconventional, saying that he spent, "probably a good two months of my life watching Deadpool 2."
Honestly, rewatching Deadpool is a smart move on Scobell's part, as he had to portray a younger Reynolds. While The Adam Project and Deadpool differ, Scobell was still able to nail down what a younger version of Reynolds' Adam was like. He mentioned that it helped to go back to Reynolds' old work to improve on his performance, while also having a good time.
Scobell even developed a reputation of being able to quote Deadpool on-set. When asked what it was like to "quote Deadpool to Deadpool," Scobell responded, "[Reynolds] looked so disappointed every time." However, throughout the Q&A, Reynolds praised Scobell for his work on the film, and, in hindsight, he admitted enjoying how much Scobell enjoyed his portrayal of Wade Wilson. "I wish there's a string in your back I could pull and watch you go," Reynolds said to Scobell. "He knows every word of the movie. We would sit on the set, and he would just do all of it, even like the exposition lines and stuff he is not supposed to remember."
Along with being able to be a believable younger Reynolds, Scobell and Reynolds had amazing chemistry throughout the film. When asked what helped with that, Scobell once again credited Deadpool. "I think it's just because I watch Deadpool 2 so much," Scobell said. "Every time I'm in a scene with him or being mean to him, I think to myself, I'm playing a little Deadpool."
While The Adam Project does include a reference to Deadpool's "superhero landing" joke, Scobell's inspiration from the character helped pave the way for something more moving.