Ryan Reynolds has admitted to leaking test footage that ultimately led to the creation of the R-rated Deadpool film. At the Toronto International Film Festival, he expressed gratitude for what he termed "the wrong thing" he did, which pushed 20th Century Fox to greenlight the project. The CGI test footage showcased Deadpool's signature humor and violence, captivating fans and prompting the studio to reevaluate the character's cinematic potential. This leak catalyzed a wave of success for the franchise, leading to highly profitable films and making Deadpool a staple in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The leaked test footage not only validated the demand for an R-rated superhero film but also changed studio perceptions about adapting lesser-known comic book characters. It opened doors for future projects that prioritize unique storytelling and adult themes in comic book adaptations.

Deadpool debuted in comic books in 1991 and initially struggled for recognition before becoming a fan-favorite anti-hero. The character's self-aware and comedic nature made it a perfect candidate for a breakout film. The success of the first Deadpool movie in 2016, which grossed around $800 million worldwide, led to a sequel, and more recently, the film Deadpool & Wolverine, grossing over $1.3 billion, solidifying its place in superhero cinema history.