Ryan Reynolds, from his beginnings in romantic comedies like The Proposal to the career-defining role of Wade Wilson in Deadpool, has perfected a brand of charismatic irreverence. However, beneath the surface of the funny guy persona lies a serious actor, one who has taken on demanding dramatic roles in films like Buried. This duality, the ability to seamlessly transition from laughter to tension, is what makes his career so fascinating. Yet, a particularly infamous incident with Denzel Washington on the set of the 2012 thriller, Safe House, revealed that even the most seasoned performers can face an unexpected and hilarious challenge from a legendary co-star.

This moment is a perfect illustration of the chaos that can ensue when the worlds of two very different actors collide.

On a Friday afternoon at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, Ryan Reynolds recounted a story about his time filming Safe House with acting icon Denzel Washington. The incident occurred during an emotional scene where Washington's character was dying. Reynolds, who was already on edge due to Washington's method-acting approach, found himself in a nerve-wracking situation when his cell phone, which he had forgotten to silence, went off on set.

"I'm really, really scared, because he's Denzel Washington," Ryan Reynolds joked, reflecting on the moment. Washington, a method actor who reportedly said only two words to Reynolds throughout the entire movie, had already given an emotionally charged performance on the first take. The unfortunate ringtone, playing Frank Sinatra's "Come fly with me, let's fly, let's fly away," interrupted the second, and final, opportunity for a perfect take, much to the anger of both Washington and the director. Nonetheless, this one misshap didn't cause the film from being a classic

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The film, with such interesting and funny behind-the-scenes moments, has on-screen thrills one should never miss.

Safe House is an action thriller that follows Matt Weston (Ryan Reynolds), a low-level CIA agent, who is forced to go on the run with a dangerous fugitive, Tobin Frost (Denzel Washington), after mercenaries attack their safe house. The film is a heart-pounding chase through the streets of Cape Town, South Africa, with intense action sequences and a compelling cat-and-mouse dynamic between the two leads. It is a worthwhile watch for those who enjoy a fast-paced narrative and excellent performances.

The film received a mixed critical reception, with praise for the lead performances and the action sequences. The audience responded well to the film, which was a box office success. The movie's strength lies in its ability to keep viewers on the edge of their seats with continuous chase scenes and fight choreography. It is a solid entry in the action-thriller genre that showcases both actors' ability to handle physically demanding roles.

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What do you think about such behind the scene moments? Let us know in the comments below.