In Tarsem Singh's SELF/LESS, Ryan Reynolds plays a man who was formerly Ben Kingsley. That is to say, when Kingsley's character discovers he's dying, rapidly, he undergoes a high-tech procedure that puts his consciousness into the body of an "empty vessel"; that vessel being Reynolds. With this new body comes an exciting new life, a rebirth. But, of course, there's always a hefty price to pay, even for a gift as special as a fresh beginning.
For Reynolds, SELF/LESS might signal something of a fresh start as well. The always-likable actor hasn't quite been on the public's radar in a handful of years, but with this film and the upcoming R-rated DEADPOOL, there's hope for rejuvenation yet. I spoke to Reynolds about playing a 70-year-old man in SELF/LESS, whether or not he sees such technology being possible in the near future, and working with visionary – and notoriously frantic – director Tarsem. And, because it's such a big week for Reynolds' other upcoming project, I snuck in a few questions about playing snarky antihero Deadpool and attending San Diego Comic-Con.