Deadpool's Ed Skrein: 'I was supposed to be NAKED with Ryan Reynolds in that fight scene'
WATCH Deadpool star Ed Skrein, aka Ajax, reveal the original naked plans for his fight with Ryan Reynolds and tell Express Online that superhero and action films need gay characters to reflect the society we live in and believe in.
Ed Skrein and Deadpool's Ryan Reynolds
Everyone remembers that infamous fight scene in the burning warehouse. Deadpool is totally naked as he grapples with Ajax and fights for his life.
When I meet Ed Skrein in London, I tease him that we want the dirty details for our new adult video channel. He raises an eyebrow and then reveals that the scene was originally meant to be a lot more naked.
Ed tells me: "There was talk for a long time that I was going to topless as well.
"I told my trainer, 'Dude, I've got like a month, let's go in on the abs. I was ready."
WATCH OUR INTERVIEW WITH ED SKREIN NEXT:
Disappointingly, Ed reveals that the filmmakers decided that the idea of two men grappling naked was "too much."
It didn't stop the ongoing bromance between the two stars, however.
Ed adds: "It was so much fun. That's when Ryan really showed he was a gentleman. They don't like actors fighting each other. It's too dangerous.
"It was great and we finished the scene together and we were like, 'That was awesome.' He sent me a really nice message after. It was all puppy dogs and love hearts."
I'll take my top off if you do, too...
We talked about the character's unapologetic polysexuality and I asked if it was time to see more diverse sexualities in superhero films.
Skrein said: "I'd like to see it in all aspects of the arts, rather than just comic book movies. I'd like it to be representative of the world we live in."
I'd like to see more gay characters on screen to represent the world we live in
There have been huge fan campaigns this year to give Elsa a girlfriend in Frozen 2 and Idina Menzel says she thinks the idea is "great."
Fans have also lobbied for Captain America to hook up with his best pal Bucky.
Sci fi fans are hoping for a Star Wars romance between Poe and Finn and even Mark Hamill has supported the idea that "of course" Luke Skywalker could be gay.
WATCH THE DEADPOOL AND AJAX FIGHT SCENE NEXT:
Even so, Deadpool director Tim Miller has confirmed he is open to the widening of the Merc With A Mouth's sexuality and star Ryan Reynolds has said he'd like to see Deadpool get a boyfriend in the sequel.
Skrein points out that the source comic books are way ahead of the Hollywood adaptations, with gay characters, and even gay marriage between superheroes, but he says that he would hate for any gay storylines to be imposed for the wrong reason.
The actor confirms he would like to see a leading gay superhero: "If it's for the right reason, yes. In the arts there should be no taboo, but it can never be gratuitous."
Deadpool's Ed Skrein, Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin and TJ Miller
He adds: Most people like sex and naked bodies, but when it's gratuitous, there's no need for it.
"When it's done right, then it's a wonderful thing.
"So I'd like to see it (a gay hero) when it's the right time and right story line."
The appalling massacre at a gay nightclub in Florida has shocked the world.
Gay rights have never been more advanced in the Western World and yet the idea is still abhorrent to many, both within the West and in the wider world. Even some Hollywood studios still shy away from putting gay characters front and centre in the biggest blockbusters.
Comic books and superhero and science fiction films have long been a haven for LGBGT fans who find a sense of identity and hope in the portrayals of characters who live, love, triumph and sometimes fail on the fringes of society. Yet the big screen adaptations resolutely fail to represent diverse sexualities.
Ed Skrein believes that needs to change.
Deadpool is out now on DVD and Blu-ray.