Tom Holland and Ryan Reynolds – two of Marvel’s hottest stars – once had a conversation about intimate waxing that still makes us blush eight years later.
No publicist in their right mind would have approved this cheeky exchange, where Hollywood’s favorite web-slinger and Reynolds with his trademark irreverent humor discussed the smooth results of their below-the-belt grooming routines. It was unexpected, borderline inappropriate, and absolutely delicious.
It’s ancient history by internet standards, but damn if it doesn’t perfectly capture what makes both actors so freaking likable.
How It All Started
It was 2017, and Tom Holland was preparing for his role in the sequel Spider-Man: Far From Home – his second standalone film as the web-slinger after debuting in Spider-Man: Homecoming (and before that in Captain America: Civil War).
Like many actors preparing for superhero roles, Tom was contemplating physical changes for the part, but his consideration was a bit more above the shoulders than usual.
“Thinking about buz cutting my hair for the next one. Thoughts?” Tom tweeted, innocently seeking advice from his followers about a potential new look (interestingly, he DID eventually get a buzz cut, when he filmed Cherry).
Thinking about buz cutting my hair for the next one. Thoughts?
— Tom Holland (@TomHolland1996) June 3, 2017
Little did he know this would spark one of the most memorable celebrity Twitter exchanges of the year.
Enter Deadpool
Among the flood of responses (most fans strongly opposing the buzz cut idea), Ryan Reynolds decided to chime in with his uniquely Deadpool-esque humor.
“I’m going with the full Brazilian wax. Not gonna let fear run my life,” Ryan replied, immediately taking the conversation in an unexpected – and much more intimate – direction.
I'm going with the full Brazilian wax. Not gonna let fear run my life. https://t.co/MOQRtbNUGt
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) June 3, 2017
For those unfamiliar, a Brazilian wax involves removing most of the hair from one’s most private regions – a painful beauty treatment that’s not typically discussed between superhero colleagues on social media.
Tom’s Perfect Comeback
Not missing a beat, Tom fired back with a response that showed he could match Ryan’s bold humor stride for stride:
“I had that done yesterday. So smooth…”
I had that done yesterday. So smooth… https://t.co/1K8bd6pphK
— Tom Holland (@TomHolland1996) June 4, 2017
And just like that, the then-21-year-old Holland proved he could hold his own in a battle of wits with Reynolds, who was already well-established as one of Hollywood’s funniest leading men.
The exchange delighted fans, who were treated to this unexpected glimpse into the friendly relationship between Spider-Man and Deadpool – mirroring the friendship the characters share in Marvel Comics.
And of course, it brought all sorts of naughty ideas and images to our heads… but we have to say – pics or it didn’t happen.
The Bromance Continues
In the years since this playful Twitter exchange, both actors have continued to thrive in Hollywood and their friendship has evolved.
Reynolds has expressed enthusiasm about potentially teaming up with Holland on screen, saying in 2024, “If I could pick one, I’d love to play with Spider-Man. Tom Holland is amazing.”
Hugh Jackman, Reynolds’ longtime friend and Deadpool & Wolverine co-star, agreed, adding that Holland is “so cool” while joking they could “pile on him and abuse him” in a film together.
Their camaraderie occasionally manifests in unexpected ways. During a 2020 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Holland revealed that he had planned to take a break from drinking for a week during quarantine, but his sobriety attempt was quickly derailed when “Ryan Reynolds sent me a case of gin.”
Kimmel joked about the gift: “That’s Deadpool trying to corrupt Spider-Man.”
Now THAT’S a film we would all like to see.
(Featured image: Deposit Photos / Jean Nelson / Popular Images)