Blade: Trinity was subject to several controversies throughout its production, including an infamous feud between the movie’s two stars, Ryan Reynolds and Wesley Snipes. 2004’s Blade: Trinity was one of the earliest Marvel movies and experienced immense difficulty throughout its production, largely caused by on-set behavior. The legendary rift between the movie’s main stars has, however, been addressed directly by Deadpool & Wolverine, with hilarious results.

David S. Goyer’s Blade: Trinity experienced a lot of strife during its production. One wild rumor suggests that Snipes and Goyer’s relationship deteriorated so much that both tried to have the other fired, culminating in a physical altercation wherein Snipes tried to strangle Goyer. This led to Blade: Trinity‘s infamous CGI eyes scene in which Snipes refused to open his eyes during a scene, forcing Goyer to digitally create Blade’s eyes. While less bombastic, Snipes also feuded with Ryan Reynolds, though this seems to stem from Reynolds’ comedic antics and scene-stealing performance.

Why Ryan Reynolds & Wesley Snipes Had A Feud On Blade: Trinity

Blade: Trinity’s Production Was Notoriously Tumultuous

The tension between Ryan Reynolds and Wesley Snipes on the set of Blade: Trinity has become something of a Hollywood legend, contributing to the assumption that the two actors disliked each other. The 2004 film, the third installment in the Blade series, was fraught with behind-the-scenes difficulties that extended beyond the usual production challenges. Wesley Snipes, who played the titular character, was reported to have been extremely difficult to work with during the production.

Various sources from the set of Blade: Trinity have claimed that Snipes would often stay in his trailer, refuse to speak to the director, Goyer, and communicate with the crew only through written notes or his assistant. His behavior was so erratic that it caused significant delays and added stress to the production process. This was compounded by the fact Snipes was a method actor and stayed in character as Blade throughout. Consequently, the notes he would leave for Goyer would each be signed “From Blade.”

Ryan Reynolds, who played Hannibal King, was relatively new to such a high-profile role at the time. He often found himself having to carry scenes, especially when Snipes was absent or uncooperative. Reynolds’ improvisational style and comedic approach were in stark contrast to Snipes’ intense and methodical portrayal of Blade. This difference in acting styles and work ethics reportedly added to the friction between the two, particularly as Reynolds was being spotlighted more and more.

The tension on set was palpable, and many crew members witnessed the strained interactions between Snipes and Reynolds. Despite Reynolds’ professional demeanor, the situation escalated to the point where it was widely believed that there was a personal feud between the two actors. This perception was fueled by anecdotes from those who worked on the film and various media reports that painted a picture of a divided set.

What Ryan Reynolds Has Said About Wesley Snipes

Ryan Reynolds Addressed The Rumors In 2004

In a 2004 interview with IGN, Reynolds spoke about the tension between him and Snipes during Blade: Trinity, where he ascribed much of it due to Snipes’ method acting approach. Reynolds noted that Snipes would remain in character permanently, suggesting that he never met Snipes, only Blade, blurring the lines of whether Snipes drove the tension, or whether it reflected character dynamics. Regardless, Reynolds confirmed that he has the “utmost respect” for Snipes and his performance, and also states that the alleged tension was “overblown.”

Reynolds also commented on a scene in which his character comments on how Blade dislikes him and how it felt like a very real moment:

There’s a moment in the movie where I look up at Jessica and I swear to God, I didn’t even know the cameras were rolling anymore and I say, ‘He hates me, doesn’t he?’ And she’s like, ‘Yeah.’ I’m just saying this about my relationship as Ryan Reynolds to this guy, and it works. The ad libs are just born of that. There’s another one where I do a dime store psychoanalysis of him where I say, ‘You ever thought about sitting down and talking with someone, getting in touch with your inner child, and also you might want to try blinking once in a while.’ He just looks at me like he’s gonna turn me into a** pulp…

Whether the tension was between Reynolds or Snipes, or actually between Hannibal King and Blade, the tumultuous production has become infamous. As a result, it is hard to delineate how much of Snipes’ disdain for Reynolds was genuine. This was, however, hilariously referenced, and seemingly resolved, in Deadpool & Wolverine.

Ryan Reynolds & Wesley Snipes Feud Is Squashed By Deadpool & Wolverine

Deadpool & Wolverine Directly Addressed The Actors’ Feud

The feud between Reynolds and Snipes was the subject of one of Deadpool’s trademark meta retorts after Snipes reprised his role as Blade in Deadpool & Wolverine. Snipes’ return was especially surprising after he offered a very convincing denial months prior. In the movie, the aged Blade appears as part of the hero troupe living inside the Void, alongside several other early/alternative Marvel movie heroes.

As Deadpool attempts to rally the team to battle Cassandra Nova, Blade notes that he does not like the eponymous antihero, to which Deadpool casually replies, “you never liked me.” This directly references not only the tension between their characters in Blade: Trinity, but also between the actors. The fact Snipes returned to play the famed Daywalker in a Reynolds-led project suggests that both actors have moved on from their feud and have even become prepared to joke about it in Deadpool & Wolverine. 

Why Ryan Reynolds & Wesley Snipes Had A Feud On Blade: Trinity

Blade: Trinity’s Production Was Notoriously Tumultuous