For much of the 1970s and 80s, Kenny Rogers was one of the biggest stars in country music. The man behind classic chart-toppers “The Gambler”, “Lucille” and the Dolly Parton duet “Islands in the Stream” died March 20 at age 81.
Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds wanted to remember Rogers in a special way, so via his Instagram stories he revealed a deleted scene from the first movie in which his character Wade Wilson sings “The Gambler” as he stomps the hell out of his enemy Ajax.
Someone going by “A Disappearing Boy” wanted to be sure the footage was more accessible and permanent and posted it on Twitter as well.
It’s easy to see why the footage didn’t stay in, it wasn’t a perfect fit, but it was still a very Deadpool kind of moment, as part of the humor in those movies is rooted in rapid-fire pop culture references.
You can watch the original video for “The Gambler” above.
Hopefully in Deadpool 3, which is reportedly in the works, Reynolds might find another, more appropriate moment to throw a nod in Rogers’s direction. RIP to a true country/pop legend.
