Ryan Reynolds took a candid look at his trip through Hollywood earlier this week.

The veteran actor, known for starring in films like “Deadpool,” opened up to the Emmy-winning producer. Maryam Banikarim during The Wall Street JournalCMO Council Summit on Tuesday, reflecting on some of the mistakes that ultimately shaped his path.

“[Give me] An example of something that didn’t work for you? -Banikarim asked.

Reynolds jokingly responded, “High school. Definitely that.”

He then moved on to his films that didn’t exactly garner critical love or receive rave reviews.

Ryan Reynolds attends the Los Angeles Special Screening of Amazon MGM Studios' 'John Candy: I ​​Like Me' at The Montalbán on October 2, 2025 in Hollywood, California.
Ryan Reynolds attends the Los Angeles Special Screening of Amazon MGM Studios’ ‘John Candy: I ​​Like Me’ at The Montalbán on October 2, 2025 in Hollywood, California.

Emma McIntyre via Getty Images

“I think, creatively speaking, it’s hard to say, someone could say ‘Green Lantern,’” he said, a comment that drew laughter from the crowd. He added that the film is his son’s “favorite movie,” a detail that amused the audience even more.

Reynolds went on to explain that, at that point in his career, he had been a “yes man” and a “people pleaser,” and is now committed to having more control over the direction of his career.

“They don’t say, ‘This producer’s movie failed’ or ‘This director’s movie.’ [movie flopped].’ That’s me. So if I’m going to make that headline, I’d like to be the architect of my own demise or success,” Reynolds said, adding who learned to bring his “own voice to the room to collaborate.”