Ryan Reynolds Shares How 'Darling' Friend Rob McElhenney Helped Him Through 'Stressful' “Deadpool” Shoot

The actor revealed that Rob McElhenney filmed a cameo for 'Deadpool & Wolverine' that was cut from the finished film

Ryan Reynolds leaned on Rob McElhenney when things got tough making Deadpool & Wolverine.

In an Aug. 23 Instagram post, Reynolds revealed that McElhenney — the fellow actor with whom he co-owns the U.K. soccer team Wrexham AFC — filmed a cameo for Deadpool & Wolverine that was ultimately cut from the final film.

McElhenney's secret role was as a soldier for the Time Variance Authority (TVA), his face hidden behind a helmet.

"A word on my 'darling' friend, @robmcelhenney. Rob very kindly did a cameo in #DeadpoolAndWolverine which will hopefully live on in the digital extras," wrote Reynolds, 47. "While editing a movie, they say you 'sometimes have to kill your darlings.' And with a heavy heart (and through great outside intervention) I had to kill a darling with this cameo…."

Reynolds explained that the scene in which McElhenney, 47, was featured "wasn’t working the way we’d originally constructed it."

Related: Ryan Reynolds Opens Up About Honoring Costar Rob Delaney's Late Son in Deadpool & Wolverine Credits

"Rob was the only reason it stayed in the cut for as long as it did, because even under a TVA mask and helmet, you can feel him smoldering with a raw and almost infinite reservoir of talent, writerly wit and 'I create hit tv shows' swagger," wrote Reynolds. "Don’t even get me started on Wrexham. I wouldn’t know a love like @wrexham_afc if it weren’t for Rob McElhenney."

Reynolds also co-wrote Deadpool & Wolverine, his X-Men team-up with costar Hugh Jackman and director Shawn Levy that marks Deadpool's introduction to Disney's Marvel Cinematic Universe after the studio's Fox acquisition.

The star said making the film was "stressful," so having his It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia pal around on set helped.

"I loved making this movie but it wasn’t without stress," wrote Reynolds. "There was a lot of expectation — and I’m pretty sure the most well written villain in cinema history is 'Expectation.' And when you do stressful stuff, it feels good when friends are nearby."

"And even though I’m mortified he flew all the way to London for a cameo that wasn’t meant to be, I’m grateful my friend was there with me on that set," he continued. "When I see Rob, my heart-rate slows and my nervous system stops yelling at me. He shows up for people. And he showed up for me."

Related: Ryan Reynolds Recalls Meeting 'Friend and Favorite Actor’ Hugh Jackman in Touching Tribute: 'I Was a Nervous Mess'

McElhenney and Reynolds have been vocal about their bromance in the past. Speaking to PEOPLE at a 2023 Wrexham FC match in San Diego, McElhenney raved over his friendship with the "truly inspiring" Reynolds.

"I consider him one of my closest friends, and I didn't even know him three years ago," he said at the time, adding that Reynolds is a "kind and generous soul, and somebody you can rely on."

Deadpool & Wolverine is in theaters now.

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