Toronto: Ryan Reynolds has finally admitted that he personally leaked the "Deadpool" test footage online in 2014, a move that played a crucial role in the film’s eventual green light by 20th Century Fox. Speaking at the Toronto International Film Festival, Reynolds said, "Yes, I cheated a little, but I think I was onto something that people would be interested in. And I’m grateful that I listened to that instinct, and I’m grateful that I did the wrong thing in that moment."

The test footage was originally produced by filmmaker Tim Miller in 2012 as a CGI demonstration of what a live-action, R-rated Deadpool movie could look like. Despite Reynolds’ enthusiasm and the footage’s fan-favourite status, the studio was initially reluctant to proceed, viewing Deadpool as a fringe comic book character and being wary of an adult-oriented superhero film.

Reynolds humorously confessed that the leak happened while he was brushing his teeth, looking at himself in the mirror and realising the potential legal risks of his actions. However, the footage’s viral spread online generated massive fan support, which compelled the studio to approve the Deadpool movie within 24 hours.

The 2016 "Deadpool" film became a blockbuster success, grossing over $780 million worldwide and breaking box office records for R-rated films. It also spawned successful sequels and crossovers, solidifying Deadpool as one of Marvel’s most popular characters.