“I’m devastated to hear the tragic news”: Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds Mourn the Saddening Loss of a Marvel Legend

The entire Marvel fraternity has been left shocked and heartbroken due to the unfortunate demise of Ray Chan, the art director in the production design department. He has collaborated with the Marvel Studios on several projects including the highly anticipated upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine. Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds have also mourned the loss of Chan on their social media.

Deadpool & Wolverine, the only Marvel theatrical release this year and a gorefest including multiple cameos, has generated insane hype in the fandom. Hugh Jackman claimed that Ray Chan made an immense contribution to the fabulous world-building of the Shawn Levy directorial. Ryan Reynolds also penned an emotional tribute where he could not stop praising Chan’s creations.

Hugh Jackman feels honored to have worked with Ray Chan

Ray Chan joined the MCU as a supervising art director in 2013’s Thor: The Dark World. He then performed the same task in more MCU projects like Guardians Of The Galaxy, Avengers: Age Of Ultron, Doctor Strange, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. He was also the art director in Spider-Man: Far From Home, Ant-Man 3, and the upcoming Deadpool threequel.

The Manchester-born Marvel legend passed away on 23rd April at the age of 56. Hugh Jackman wrote on his Instagram story (via @DP3_news) that Ray Chan used to “create magic”. He admitted that there was not a day when he did not marvel at Chan’s creations.

“I am devastated to hear of the tragic news about Ray Chan. There was not a day shooting when I didn’t marvel at what he created. He created magic. There was this look in his eyes. The look of a man who loved his craft. I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the best in the business. Ray was at the very top!”

Hugh Jackman mourns the loss of Ray Chan.💔 pic.twitter.com/Fc4DvtEvMO

— Deadpool 3 News and Updates (@DP3_news) April 26, 2024

Since the teaser and trailer of Deadpool 3 were revealed, people highly praised the aesthetics of the film. It is hoped that most of the multiversal drama would be set in The Void. However, it is very heartbreaking that the creative legend who played a massive role in developing such a world left us before witnessing his highly-anticipated creation.

Ryan Reynolds could not stop praising Ray Chan’s creative skills

Soon after the unfortunate demise of Ray Chan, TMZ reported that Ryan Reynolds was “downright gutted about the sudden loss”. He along with the entire Deadpool & Wolverine team was devastated. Later Ryan Reynolds (via X) went on to express how words are not enough to express the loss faced by Marvel Studios.

The Deadpool lead also reflected Hugh Jackman’s statement and claimed that the Marvel veteran indeed made magic- “Ray was peerless”.

RIP Ray Chan

Words are pretty inadequate in comparison to this loss.

There's an incomparable reservoir of skill, tender grit and talent no longer with us. As Production Designer, he was as important a creative force on Deadpool & Wolverine as the writers, director and stars.

I… pic.twitter.com/pL7MgFWGjn

— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) April 26, 2024

Ray Chan also made some notable contributions by creating Xandar and Sanctum Sanctorium. Marvel President Kevin Feige claimed (via Marvel) that he was first a very good friend to Marvel Studios and was a heavily talented individual.

“Ray was first and foremost a good friend to everyone at Marvel Studios. He was a talented collaborator who brought creativity and attention to detail to every frame of every movie he worked on, and who was able to bring out the best in each department he worked with.”

It can’t be denied that Chan’s creative mind will be heavily missed in the MCU. Ray Chan is survived by his wife, Lindsay, and his children, Caspar and Sebastian.

Deadpool & Wolverine will be released on July 26, 2024.