Ryan Reynolds has never shied away from sharing funny stories about his personal and professional life, and his latest revelation involving Blake Lively and comedy legend Bill Murray has fans in stitches.
The 48-year-old Deadpool actor opened up during a live appearance at the State Theatre New Jersey, where he discussed his new passion project—an upcoming documentary about the late John Candy titled John Candy: I Like Me.
Reynolds admitted that while producing the film was a dream come true, one of the hardest challenges was tracking down Bill Murray for his involvement. The actor described the effort as so exhausting it could have been its own documentary.
“It could have been a separate film, just me trying to reach Bill Murray,” Reynolds told the audience with a laugh, recalling the chaos of the process.
According to Reynolds, the hunt for Murray’s phone number took several connections and plenty of favors. “I finally got it through a friend of a friend of a friend,” he said. But getting the number didn’t mean instant access.
When he finally dialed, Reynolds was met with a voicemail that he described as sounding like “a Greek shipping company.” The bizarre experience didn’t deter him, and he admitted to leaving “about 40 messages” before there was any response.
Eventually, his persistence paid off. Reynolds received a callback from the Ghostbusters star, but the timing could not have been worse. He was dressed in a tuxedo, on his way into a glamorous gala with Blake Lively by his side, when his phone buzzed with the call.
“I look down and it says Bill Murray,” Reynolds said, imitating his excitement. “I whisper to Blake, ‘It’s Bill Murray!’ and she just goes, ‘We have to go in!’”
But Reynolds, caught up in the surreal moment, had no intention of letting the call slip away. He jokingly confessed his blunt response to his wife: “F*** you!” The audience roared with laughter at the story, appreciating his honesty.
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The hilarious moment showcased not only Reynolds’ comedic timing but also the playful banter that has made his marriage with Blake Lively one of Hollywood’s most beloved. Fans online have already labeled the story “peak Ryan and Blake.”
Despite the awkward timing and multiple failed attempts, Reynolds refused to give up. He even went as far as to create a video plea for Murray, which included a cameo from his young son, hoping the family touch would finally convince him.
His persistence eventually paid off. Murray agreed to participate, giving Reynolds a huge win for the documentary. For the actor, getting Murray on board wasn’t just about star power—it was about honoring John Candy in the most fitting way possible.
Reynolds has long spoken about his admiration for Candy, calling the late actor one of his greatest inspirations. The documentary, which he is both producing and narrating, aims to celebrate Candy’s legacy while highlighting the enduring influence of his comedy.
The story of Reynolds chasing Bill Murray is now being seen as an example of the kind of determination and humor he brings to every project. For fans, it was also another peek into the fun-loving relationship he shares with Lively, who is never far from his funniest anecdotes.
As Reynolds continues to build anticipation for John Candy: I Like Me, the behind-the-scenes drama of securing Bill Murray has become almost as entertaining as the film itself. And with Reynolds at the helm, fans are already expecting a documentary full of laughter, warmth, and heartfelt tributes
