Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds has revealed that he met with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to discuss the “excellence of UK film crews” amid the US actors’ strike.
The Canadian star was working on Deadpool 3 in England when production on the superhero flick ground to a halt in the wake of the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strike action.
Although the union’s action prevents any SAG-AFTRA actors from working, it doesn’t stop them from talking to governments about the industry – and Reynolds used the break in filming to meet with Sunak to discuss the opportunity to bring more film opportunities to Wales.
The 46-year-old and his pal, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia actor Rob McElhenny, are co-owners of Welsh football side Wrexham AFC, so have an invested interest in boosting the small nation’s economy.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, the Free Guy actor shared a photo with Sunak in deep discussion and also another with his Maximum Effort colleagues outside 10 Downing Street.
Captioning the post, Reynolds wrote: “With Deadpool paused, we visited 10 Downing [Street] to discuss the excellence of UK film crews and Maximum Effort.
“Aside from shooting back home, the UK is my favourite place to make a movie. Hoping to see even more film work head to Wales.”
The star also couldn’t help but finish off the update by cracking a joke at Manchester United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop’s expense following their 3-1 win over Wrexham.
The 23-year-old played against Wrexham in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday and was responsible for an injury to striker Paul Mullin, who suffered a punctured lung after a coming together with Bishop.
Referencing the incident, Reynolds concluded his post: “Rob would have joined but he’s currently having a word with Man Utd’s youth team goalie.”
Reynolds is one of 160,000 SAG-AFTRA union members who has been on strike over concerns over a number of issues including pay and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) since July 14.
SAG-AFTRA has been holding industrial action since failing to reach an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
The Writers Guild of America started industrial action on May 2, before Hollywood stars were pictured on the picket lines in the US over the past week.
The British union, which is not striking, announced earlier this week has held protests in Manchester and London in solidarity with the US entity.
