Ryan Reynolds is widely known for his razor-sharp humor, charismatic screen presence, and box office hits like Deadpool. But now, a viral social media thread is making waves with a bold question: Is Ryan Reynolds the Steve Jobs of our time?
The comparison, sparked by a detailed and thought-provoking X (formerly Twitter) thread by @KenBerenger, examines how Reynolds has transformed from a Hollywood heartthrob into a marketing and business powerhouse. The thread explores the actor’s journey into the world of entrepreneurship — not just as a figurehead or brand ambassador, but as a strategic investor and creative force behind some of the most successful business ventures of recent years.
From Deadpool to Deal Maker
In 2016, Reynolds was riding high on the global success of Deadpool, a project he championed with fierce passion. The film grossed $780 million worldwide and established him as more than just a leading man — he became a pop culture phenomenon. But while the world was celebrating his on-screen achievements, Reynolds was quietly laying the groundwork for something bigger: a pivot to business.
Rather than rest on the laurels of Hollywood fame or settle for standard endorsement deals like most celebrities, Reynolds decided to get hands-on. In 2018, he bought into Aviation Gin — not as a passive investor, but as a part-owner and creative director. This distinction turned out to be crucial.
With his signature wit and an instinctive understanding of modern marketing, Reynolds turned Aviation Gin into a viral sensation. One defining moment came in 2019 when fitness brand Peloton was criticized for a tone-deaf holiday ad. Reynolds saw a marketing opportunity and acted within 36 hours — producing a cheeky Aviation Gin ad starring the same actress from the controversial commercial, sipping a gin cocktail as she recovered from her “trauma.”
The ad was a masterclass in agile, culturally aware branding. It went viral, earning the kind of attention most marketers only dream about. As Berenger described in his viral post, “The ad went viral. Free publicity worth millions. Pure genius.”
Aviation Gin Sells for $610 Million
That “genius” turned into major money. In 2020, just two years after Reynolds joined the company, Aviation Gin was acquired by spirits giant Diageo for a reported $610 million. Reynolds, always quick with a quip, responded with a characteristically tongue-in-cheek statement, but behind the humor was a serious business win.
It was one of the biggest celebrity-led exits in the spirits world — and it cemented Reynolds’ reputation not just as a savvy marketer but as someone who could turn creativity into capital.
Mint Mobile: Billion-Dollar Brilliance
But the Aviation Gin deal was just the beginning.
In 2019, Reynolds took a stake in Mint Mobile, a budget wireless carrier. Once again, he didn’t just endorse the product — he became the face and creative director. With a mix of self-aware ads, minimalist pricing, and direct-to-consumer appeal, Reynolds turned Mint Mobile into a cult favorite among cost-conscious customers.
By 2023, Mint Mobile was acquired by T-Mobile in a deal worth up to $1.35 billion. Reynolds reportedly made a tidy sum, all while reinforcing his image as the “anti-celebrity” businessman — someone who doesn’t just lend his face to a brand but transforms it from the inside out.
Wrexham AFC: More Than a Vanity Project
Still not convinced? Let’s talk football.
In 2020, Reynolds teamed up with fellow actor Rob McElhenney to purchase Wrexham AFC, a fifth-tier Welsh football club. At first glance, it seemed like a vanity project — Hollywood stars buying a small-town team in a sport they’d never played professionally.
But once again, Reynolds and McElhenney went deeper. “They were buying a community's heart,” Berenger wrote. Wrexham AFC, founded in 1864, is the third-oldest professional football club in the world. In Wrexham, the club is not just a team — it’s the beating heart of the town.
Through their FX documentary series Welcome to Wrexham, Reynolds and McElhenney brought global attention to the club, spotlighted local stories, and funneled investment into both the team and the town. In doing so, they redefined what ownership could look like — blending sports, community development, and storytelling into a compelling brand.
The Steve Jobs Parallel
So where does Steve Jobs come into this?
Jobs was revered not just for building Apple but for understanding consumers in a way that felt almost mystical. He wasn’t an engineer, but he had a visionary grasp of design, emotion, and storytelling. He knew how to make people feel something — and how to turn that feeling into loyalty.
Reynolds, in his own domain, is showing shades of that same brilliance. He understands cultural trends, knows how to tell a story, and has mastered the art of emotionally engaging consumers — not just selling products, but creating narratives that resonate.
Berenger’s viral thread points out that while most celebrities chase short-term brand deals or launch companies that fizzle, Reynolds is building an empire — carefully, strategically, and with a clear understanding of what today’s consumers crave: authenticity, humor, and heart.
What’s Next?
With Mint Mobile, Aviation Gin, and Wrexham AFC under his belt, the question now becomes: what’s next for Ryan Reynolds?
He’s already co-founded Maximum Effort, a production and marketing company that has inked deals with brands, studios, and platforms. He’s dipping into tech, sports, media, and even nonprofit work. In every sector, he brings his trademark blend of storytelling, empathy, and strategic thinking.
If Steve Jobs revolutionized how we interact with technology, Reynolds might be doing the same for modern branding — turning products and platforms into personal experiences, powered by humor and human connection.
One thing’s clear: Ryan Reynolds is no longer just a movie star. He’s a mogul in motion.