Why Ryan Reynolds Calls Chris Evans ‘The Absolute Best’ After Their Touching ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Moment

Ryan Reynolds and Chris Evans’ longstanding collaboration within the Marvel universe has captured the hearts of fans, and their most recent interaction in Deadpool & Wolverine is no exception. Evans’ surprise cameo in the 2024 film, where he reprised his role as Johnny Storm from Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), brought a wave of nostalgia and joy to audiences. As part of the film’s broader trend of honoring Fox-era Marvel characters, including Jennifer Garner as Elektra and Wesley Snipes as Blade, Evans’ return was both a pivotal and emotional moment. In a heartfelt tribute shared by Reynolds on Instagram in August 2024, the actor reflected on the significance of Evans’ cameo and their long-standing friendship.

Reynolds, known for his witty and playful demeanor, blended humor with deep admiration in his tribute. On August 8, 2024, Reynolds posted a series of photos from the Deadpool & Wolverine set, highlighting the bond between him and Evans. “Some of the greatest moments I’ve ever experienced in a theater were authored by this guy,” Reynolds began, expressing his genuine affection for Evans, both as a person and a professional. He added, “Some of the hardest laughing I’ve ever done came from listening to Chris tell a story — about anything. And he got me again this year.” This remark underscores the personal connection the two actors share, with Reynolds praising Evans’ ability to bring humor and joy into any situation.

Reynolds continued to express his admiration for Evans, noting, “He’s just the absolute best. Part of the movie’s theme is saying goodbye… And one of the gifts of working on the film is that we got to say goodbye on different terms.” The tribute not only highlighted the emotional resonance of Evans’ return but also connected with the film’s themes of closure and legacy, particularly as it relates to characters from the Fox Marvel era.

The tribute also humorously referenced Evans’ character’s fate in the film, where Johnny Storm meets a dramatic and gruesome end at the hands of the villain Cassandra Nova. “It wouldn’t have been necessary if he hadn’t run his fat-ass mouth around Cassandra. Or if she hadn’t zip-zapped his skin, leaving his organs to splash crudely onto the ground, while the soil greedily drank his blood,” Reynolds joked, staying true to the irreverent tone of the Deadpool franchise. Despite the humor, there was an underlying sense of affection for Evans’ portrayal of Johnny Storm, as Reynolds concluded the post with, “Jonathan Lowell Spencer Storm: We love you. Wherever you are, I’m sure you’re thriving. #FlameOff 🧯”

This Instagram post, which was shared during the promotional period for Deadpool & Wolverine, is one of the most personal and extended tributes Reynolds has shared for a fellow actor. It not only reflects his respect for Evans but also celebrates their deep friendship, underscored by the nostalgic return of Evans to a role that had been absent from the MCU since Avengers: Endgame (2019). The timing of the tribute also aligns with the emotional weight of the film, as it offered fans a final farewell to beloved characters from the Fox-era Marvel universe.

The 2024 tribute remains the most significant public acknowledgment from Reynolds to Evans, with no newer posts found as of April 2025. Searches on social media and entertainment platforms, including X and various web articles, consistently point back to this August 2024 post as the definitive expression of Reynolds’ admiration for Evans, further cementing the special connection between the two actors.

As Deadpool & Wolverine continues to generate buzz, Reynolds’ heartfelt words remind us of the lasting impact of their collaboration and the joy of seeing old friends return to iconic roles.