Deadpool's Ryan Reynolds thanks commuters dealing with Georgia Viaduct closure
A smashed-up SUV and the hope of seeing Ryan Reynolds brings onlookers to set
Vancouver-born movie star Ryan Reynolds knows how traffic can be a pain in the city, so he tweeted his thanks to commuters for putting up with the Georgia Viaduct closure while he shoots his film Deadpool.
The Deadpool movie shoot is closing the major traffic artery for several hours each day for the next two weeks. On Monday, it drew onlookers who wanted a peek of a smashed-up SUV set and possibly get a glimpse of Reynolds.
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People walking and biking on Dunsmuir — which runs into downtown and is not closed — also stopped to take pictures Sunday as crew members prepared the crash scene.
"This is awesome, I have never seen a film shooting," said Juan Quiroga, who stopped by specifically to take a look.
On Monday, as Los Angeles-based media arrived with telephoto lenses, the smashed SUV was covered in tarps to block paparazzi from seeing who was inside.
Two weeks of closures
Some passers-by also questioned why the Georgia Viaduct — running out of downtown — will see two weeks of closures
"It's kind of shocking they're doing it for two weeks. How can it take that long, really?" asked Hayley Crofts.
The closures were approved by the City of Vancouver, which said the film plans to spend $37.5 million in Vancouver, and will hire more than 1,100 people.
"Everyone in the office, when they heard it was Ryan Reynolds, said give him whatever he wants," joked Jerry Dobrovolny, the city's director of transportation.
Georgia Viaduct closure schedule
Closures are scheduled between April 5 and 18 and incude:
- April 5: Georgia Viaduct closed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. PT.
- April 6-16: Georgia Viaduct closed from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. After the road reopens at 3 p.m. there will remain a 100-metre section of the viaduct that will be limited to one lane.
- April 11: Georgia Viaduct closed from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- April 12, 17 and 18: the production has the option to use the viaduct on these days, for contingency purposes
During closure times, the city recommends that drivers select alternate routes leading eastbound out of downtown, such as the Cambie Bridge or Hastings Street.
More information can also be found on the city's website.
With files from Jeff Harrington and Ash Kelly