During Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary special, Ryan Reynolds had a standout moment that quickly became a hot topic online. While appearing in a sketch alongside Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, Reynolds delivered a witty, off-the-cuff response that many believe referenced the ongoing It Ends With Us controversy—a legal dispute involving Reynolds, his wife Blake Lively, and Justin Baldoni.
Now, it has been confirmed that Reynolds wrote the joke himself, adding to the speculation surrounding its true meaning.
Reynolds’ SNL 50 Line: What Really Happened?
During the sketch, Tina Fey casually asked Reynolds,
“Ryan Reynolds, how’s it going?”
To which he unexpectedly responded:
“Great! Why, what have you heard?”
The joke immediately caught attention, as many viewers suspected it was a subtle nod to the It Ends With Us legal battle. While some initially thought the SNL writing team had planned the joke, SNL cue card writer Chris “Wally” Feresten revealed on the Fifi, Fev & Nick podcast that Reynolds improvised it:
“He had a different line in rehearsal, and he pitched that to replace it. That was his idea to do it.”
This revelation suggests that Reynolds deliberately changed his line, though it remains unclear if it was meant to be a direct jab at the controversy or just a well-timed joke.
Why Reynolds’ Joke Went Viral
Possible Reference to the It Ends With Us Feud – Given that Reynolds is married to Blake Lively, who stars in the upcoming adaptation of It Ends With Us, fans quickly speculated that he was referencing the ongoing tension between Lively, Baldoni, and the film’s production team.
Instant Social Media Buzz – The offhand remark spread rapidly online, proving that even a single joke on SNL can dominate internet conversations.
SNL’s Blend of Scripted & Improvised Comedy – The moment showcased one of SNL’s greatest strengths: its ability to mix scripted content with spontaneous humor, trusting performers like Reynolds to enhance the show with their own comedic instincts.
Our Take: Why This Moment Proves SNL’s Staying Power
SNL 50 was filled with memorable moments, but Reynolds’ quick-witted humor stood out as one of the most-discussed highlights.
Pop Culture Relevance – SNL remains successful because it knows how to tap into current events and celebrity buzz, making each episode feel fresh and relevant.
Big-Name Guest Stars Keep It Exciting – With Blake Lively’s new film Another Simple Favor releasing this spring, it wouldn’t be surprising if Reynolds or Lively make another SNL appearance soon.
Whether or not the joke was truly about It Ends With Us, it proved that Reynolds knows how to work a crowd, and that SNL still thrives on spontaneity and pop culture relevance.
