Entertainment
Ryan Reynolds supports calls for LeVar Burton to become Jeopardy! host as he recalls fans helping him land Deadpool role
Ryan Reynolds wants LeVar Burton to become the next host of Jeopardy! (Picture: Jason Mendez/WireImage)
Ryan Reynolds has publicly supported the fan campaign to see LeVar Burton named as the new host of Jeopardy!
Hours after it was revealed that Mike Richards had quit the job due to backlash over his past offensive comments, the Canadian actor took to Twitter to remind the world that sometimes fans know better than the studio.
The 44-year-old tweeted: ‘Pretty consistently from 2013 to 2015 Deadpool would explode on Twitter with fans wanting me to play him.
‘It was awkward because I agreed with them but the studio didn’t see it.’
He continued: ‘Ultimately the fans won and the rest is glorious history. I’m forever grateful. Hi @levarburton’.
Indeed, it took someone leaking a dazzling showreel of footage in 2014 in order to stir up fanfare which pushed Fox to greenlight what became a massive R-rated blockbuster hit.
Prior to that moment, fans had been campaigning for years on social media to see the actor take on the role in a solo movie – he first played the role in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
The Just Friends actor warmed the hearts of followers after drawing a parallel with the calls for Burton to officially take over from late host Alex Trebek.
LeVar Burton is a top fan choice (Picture: Michele Crowe/CBS via Getty Images)
‘This! @levarburton would be the best way to honor Alex’, one fan commented.
Earlier this month, it was announced that Richards, who joined Jeopardy! as an executive producer last year, had been chosen to host the show’s daily program, with The Big Bang Theory star Mayim Bialik presenting primetime and spin-off specials of the quiz show.
It took years of fan campaigning for Ryan’s Deadpool movie to get the greenlight from Fox (Picture: Marvel Enterprises/20th Century Fox/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)
The announcement came following the death of beloved TV presenter Trebek in November 2020, who had hosted the program since 1984.
Many fans were disappointed by the news as some believed that Roots actor Burton should have been chosen over Mike for the role.
He tweeted at the time: ‘I have said many times over these past weeks that no matter the outcome, I’ve won. The outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and fans alike has been incredible!
‘If love is the ultimate blessing and I believe that it is, I am truly blessed beyond measure. 🙏🏾
More: US TV news
Just nine days later, Richards stepped down from the role amid multiple controversies meaning the search for a new permanent host was back on.
Time will tell if Reynolds and other Jeopardy! fans get the news they have been pushing for.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Mike Richards steps down as Jeopardy! host after disparaging comments about women and Jews resurface
