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Kevin Costner’s Reaction to Ryan Reynolds’ Joke Sparks Buzz at SNL Anniversary Special

The entertainment world was abuzz after a memorable moment at the Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special, which aired on Sunday, February 16. The three-hour celebration, watched by nearly 15 million viewers, brought together comedy legends, A-list celebrities, and some of the most iconic faces from the show’s 50-year history. Among the many highlights, a particularly witty exchange involving Ryan Reynolds and Kevin Costner stole the spotlight, leaving fans and social media buzzing.

During a planned Q+A segment hosted by comedy veterans Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, Reynolds took the stage to field questions from the audience. When asked how he was doing, Reynolds quipped, "Great! Why, what have you heard?" The line was a clear nod to the highly publicized legal feud between Reynolds and his wife, Blake Lively, with actor Justin Baldoni. The audience erupted in laughter, but not everyone found the joke amusing, including Kevin Costner, who was seated in the audience.

Costner’s Scrutinizing Stare and Lively’s Surprised Reaction

Kevin Costner, known for his roles in Dances With Wolves and Yellowstone, became the focus of attention after his reaction to Reynolds’ joke. Sitting directly behind Reynolds, Costner turned his entire body to glance at Blake Lively, who was seated next to her husband. The moment was caught on camera, and social media quickly lit up with speculation about what was going through his mind. Was he disapproving of the joke, or merely curious about Lively’s reaction?

Lively herself also seemed taken aback by Reynolds’ comment. Her smile faded instantly as she turned to face her husband, her mouth slightly open in apparent surprise. While some viewers interpreted her reaction as playful, others questioned whether she was genuinely caught off guard. The moment was subtle but telling, and fans wasted no time dissecting every detail online.

The Controversial Context Behind Reynolds’ Joke

The humor in Reynolds’ joke stemmed from the ongoing legal dispute between Lively, Reynolds, and Justin Baldoni, who has been accused of improper conduct on the set of the romantic drama It Ends With Us. The matter has been highly publicized, with multiple lawsuits filed between December 20, 2024, and January 31, 2025. While Reynolds’ choice to address the situation with humor was bold, it also risked coming across as insensitive given the gravity of the allegations. Not everyone found the joke funny, and some critics argued that it downplayed the serious nature of the accusations.

Mixed Reactions on Social Media

The aftermath of the SNL special saw social media flooded with reactions to the moment. Fans of Reynolds praised his quick wit and ability to turn even the most awkward situations into comedy gold. Others, however, were less amused, questioning whether the joke was in poor taste. Kevin Costner’s reaction, in particular, sparked debate, with some interpreting his expression as disapproval or discomfort. Lively’s response also came under scrutiny, with some fans speculating that her surprise was genuine, while others believed she was simply playing along with the joke.

A Sensitive Balance Between Humor and Controversy

The incident highlights the delicate balance between humor and sensitivity in public commentary. Reynolds’ joke, while clever and delivered with his signature charm, touched on a subject that remains deeply contentious. For many viewers, the legal dispute involving Baldoni, Lively, and Reynolds is no laughing matter, and the decision to address it in such a lighthearted way raised eyebrows. Whether the joke was intended to deflect attention or simply to poke fun at the situation remains unclear, but it undeniably added another layer to the drama surrounding the case.

The Lasting Impact of the SNL Anniversary Special

The Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special was a star-studded celebration of comedy, nostalgia, and the enduring legacy of the show. While much of the evening was filled with heartfelt tributes and hilarious sketches, the moment involving Reynolds, Costner, and Lively became one of the most talked-about highlights. It served as a reminder of how entertainment can often blur the lines between humor and reality, leaving audiences to dissect and interpret every detail long after the cameras stop rolling.

In the end, the incident underscores the power of live television to captivate, entertain, and sometimes provoke. Whether or not the joke was in good taste, it undoubtedly added another chapter to the ongoing saga between Reynolds, Lively, and Baldoni—one that fans and followers will continue to follow closely as it unfolds.