Ryan Reynolds’ Phone Rings Mid-Take as Washington’s Flight Soars on Starz

Lead: During a Toronto Film Festival appearance on September 6, Ryan Reynolds’ phone rang in the middle of Denzel Washington’s emotional Safe House scene, while Washington’s 2012 film Flight climbed into Starz’s top ten streaming titles the same day.

Nut Graf: The juxtaposition of an on-stage anecdote and a film’s renewed popularity highlights Washington’s enduring influence in cinema. His powerful performances continue to resonate both live at festivals and on streaming platforms.

“Who the Heck’s Phone Is That?”

At TIFF’s Friday session, Reynolds recounted how his unmuted phone ringtone-Frank Sinatra’s “Come Fly with Me”-interrupted the pivotal scene in Safe House, eliciting Washington’s exasperated outburst, “Who the heck’s phone is that?” The flub occurred during an intense take in which Washington’s character lay wounded amid fallen comrades, tears streaming down his face. Reynolds, realizing his mistake, feigned ignorance as the crew sought to identify the source of the disruption.

Flight Regains Altitude on Streaming

Thirteen years after its theatrical release, Flight has landed prominently on Starz’s Top 10 domestic charts as of last week. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the 2012 drama saw Washington portray an alcoholic pilot who performs a miraculous maneuver to save hundreds of passengers. According to FlixPatrol data, the film’s resurgence underscores its status as a character-driven classic and marks Washington’s continued draw for contemporary audiences.

Festival Anecdote Underscores Washington’s On-Set Authority

Reynolds emphasized the pressure of sharing the screen with a two-time Oscar winner, noting that any error in take two would fall squarely on him, as Washington “wasn’t sticking around” for retakes. The story went viral online, reaffirming Washington’s reputation for demanding professionalism and elevating co-stars’ performances.

Streaming Revival Reflects Lasting Impact

Flight cost $30 million and grossed over $160 million worldwide upon release. Critics praised Washington’s nuanced portrayal of Captain Whip Whitaker, earning him another Oscar nomination. Its current streaming success on Starz speaks to the film’s compelling blend of action and character study, and to Washington’s lasting appeal in the digital age.

Published on September 6, 2025

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