Ryan Reynolds says his friendship with Rob McElhenney got him through the stress of shooting the new ‘Deadpool’: ‘He’s covered and cared for me in ways I can’t fully comprehend’

“It swallows my life whole,” the actor says of making a “Deadpool” movie. Reynolds cowrote, produced, and stars in the latest, “Deadpool & Wolverine,” alongside Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine. “It becomes an all-hours, all-consuming, time-murdering obsession that needs to be born, raised, and sent to college in the span of 24 months.”

Reynolds credits McElhenney with helping him balance his priorities, all while still allowing him to make time for his family, including his wife, Blake Lively, and their four kids.

“Over the last couple years, Rob has covered for me and cared for me in ways I can’t fully comprehend,” Reynolds tells BI. “He’s helped me find space to see my family despite needing me in Wrexham.”

Reynolds also noted it’s not lost on him that McElhenney is juggling a lot, too — in addition to their shared Wrexham responsibilities, McElhenney also formed a new company, More Better Industries, that has a production arm, a creative consultancy, and an investment arm. That’s not to mention his starring role on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” the beloved FX comedy he created that’s heading into its 17th season.

“Rob is running multiple businesses, making sure he’s a present husband and dad, starring in approximately 42 television shows and somehow, some way, maintaining remarkably even skin,” Reynolds jokes.

The duo’s friendship, which originally started over DMs about four years ago, is something Reynolds cherishes.

“I fucking love the guy. Now and always,” he says of McElhenney. “I’m lucky to know him. I’m lucky to work with him. I’m lucky to call him my friend.”