Big premieres often come with unexpected viral moments, and this year’s Toronto International Film Festival is no exception.
Ryan Reynolds, who attended to promote his John Candy documentary, has found himself at the center of online criticism after an interaction with a young reporter didn’t sit well with many viewers.
The Red Carpet Exchange
Reynolds, 48, was approached by a child journalist from CTV during Thursday’s event.
Instead of a warm greeting, fans felt he brushed the boy off when he opened with: “Hi, what’s your question for me, buddy?”
When the young reporter tried to introduce himself, Reynolds cut in with a grin, saying: “Nice to meet you too, let’s skip to the question.”
He then laughed as those nearby looked on a little awkwardly.
The boy asked a lighthearted question about why there was so much Chipotle mayo on his Tim Horton’s breakfast, to which Reynolds replied he’d write a “strongly-worded letter” to the chef—joking that he’d sign it in the boy’s name before walking off.
Fans Split Over His Attitude
The moment quickly spread online, and fans had plenty to say.
Some slammed the Deadpool star for being “condescending” toward a child, with one person writing: “That poor kid, way to ruin someone’s confidence.”
Another added: “Not everything can be turned into a joke.”
Others, however, came to his defense. A few suggested he was likely stressed or being rushed, insisting the exchange wasn’t actually rude.
What Was Happening Behind the Scenes
A source told the Daily Mail that festival staff were trying to shut down the red carpet and hurried Reynolds inside.
According to the insider, Reynolds still stopped to give the child reporter a chance, even though other journalists were pushing for questions.
They added that the actor bent down to listen to the boy specifically, not to dismiss him.
Reynolds’ representatives have not yet commented on the situation.
Old Controversy Resurfaces
This isn’t the first time Reynolds has faced uncomfortable headlines involving kids.
Earlier this year, an old behind-the-scenes clip from The Amityville Horror resurfaced on TikTok.
It showed the actor improvising a scene in which he slapped his teenage co-star, Jesse James, across the face.
James, then 15, looked shocked at the moment, while Reynolds later admitted in an old interview that the unscripted slap had startled the crew.
He described it as an “organic” moment, even joking that his character was “possessed” at the time.
Fans React to the Past Video
When the clip began circulating again, viewers were deeply divided.
Some branded it “actual abuse” and “uncomfortable to watch,” while others dismissed it as harmless and said it even improved the movie.
Reynolds had also once admitted he avoided bonding with child actors on set, saying it helped him perform better.
That remark hasn’t aged well in the eyes of many who revisited the video.
What This Means for Reynolds Now
Between TIFF criticism and resurfaced controversies, Reynolds is navigating a rocky moment with public opinion.
While some fans brush off his humor as stress or misinterpretation, others feel his jokes often cross into insensitive territory—especially when children are involved.
What happens next may depend on whether Reynolds chooses to address these criticisms directly or lets the storm blow over.