We are fascinated by how Scarlett Johansson’s ‘Black Widow’ and Ryan Reynolds’ ‘Deadpool’ appear to share a unique connection that extends beyond their Marvel roles. The actors were once a couple whose marriage headed toward single-hood after a three-year journey (2008–2011). It’s a tale as old as time—or at least as longstanding as the superhero genre—where, despite the duo’s detour from marital bliss, they conquered post-divorce waters.
Scarlett Johansson as Rosie Betzler in Jojo Rabbit | Fox Searchlight Pictures
Despite minor memory lapses among friends (such as Gwyneth Paltrow’s during her Goop podcast) when Johansson’s matrimonial tally needed a gentle reminder, the former couple’s story remains one of mutual respect & admiration. After all, when the Black Widow star doled out plaudits to Reynolds, describing him as “a good guy,” she was painting silver linings on a past chapter. Hence, she proved that some stars keep their glow even after the final cut.
Scarlett Johansson Shared Unexpected Reflections on Her Relationship With Ryan Reynolds
It is quite distressful to learn that two actors fell in love, only to drift apart, yet remain on a spectrum of mutual respect. Such is the tale of Ryan Reynolds and Scarlett Johansson, whose three-year union—a blend of private joys and shared spotlights—mercifully came to an end in 2011.
Despite their divorce, both actors have maintained fondness and esteem for each other, proving that endings can still be beautiful. Indeed, Johansson’s magnanimity shone through during a candid chat on Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop podcast.
During their conversation, Paltrow mistakenly mentioned that Johansson had been married twice, but the latter quickly corrected Bruce Paltrow’s daughter, acknowledging her previous marriage to Reynolds. To which the Contagion actress replied:
Oh, that’s right, because I forgot that you were married to Ryan Reynolds! Goals!
Scarlett Johansson in Hail, Ceasar | Universal Pictures
Although their time together may have been short-lived, Johansson still has nothing but praise for her ex-husband, calling the Deadpool star:
He’s a good guy.
In an interview with Cosmopolitan, Johansson’s reflections became more transparent, giving us a glimpse into her previous marriage to Reynolds. She conceded:
The logistics of being with another actor are challenging. There has to be a real understanding of how you share your time, especially when two people’s careers are going at the same rate. Or even if one person is more successful than the other, that also proves challenging. There may be a competitive thing.
This was not, however, a story of resentment or regret, as the actress saw her marriage to Reynolds as a journey worth taking, even amid rivalry and erratic schedules:
We spent so much time apart. It’s very difficult. It’s bad. It seemed like a very romantic thing to do, and it was. It was the best thing I ever did.
The marriage of Reynolds and Johansson lasted from 2008 to 2011.
Ryan Reynolds’ Take on His Marriage with Scarlett Johansson
Ryan Reynolds echoed similar sentiments, expressing gratitude for the respectful and graceful way he and Scarlett Johansson chose to end their relationship.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds in Green Lantern | Warner Bros. Pictures
In an interview, Reynolds stated that “departing a relationship” while still viewing the person as the same one he married is something he finds rewarding (via Glamour Magazine). The actor also discussed how he and Johansson parted ways with dignity and grace. In a chat with Vanity Fair in 2019, the latter once remarked on getting married so young:
The first time I got married, I was 23 years old. I didn’t really have an understanding of marriage. Maybe I kind of romanticized it, I think, in a way.
Reynolds is currently married to Blake Lively, and the couple can be seen occasionally playing pranks on each other, having met while filming Green Lantern in 2010.
More than ten years of marriage and four children later, the couple is currently leading the best life possible. Additionally, it is common to see Reynolds gushing about his lovely wife and daughters. Meanwhile, Johansson is married to Colin Jost, co-anchor of Weekend Update on Saturday Night Live.
