Ryan Reynolds' Forgotten Sci-Fi Thriller Hits Prime Video

The 2015 film 'Self/Less' starring Reynolds and Ben Kingsley is now streaming after bombing at the box office.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:22am

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An abstract close-up photograph featuring dramatic, high-contrast lighting on shattered glass and glittering shards, conceptually representing the production of a high-profile but ultimately flawed Hollywood film.The glossy but flawed nature of a big-budget sci-fi thriller is captured in this extreme close-up of shattered glass and glittering shards.NYC Today

Ryan Reynolds' 2015 sci-fi thriller 'Self/Less' has hit Prime Video, despite being a major box office flop that year. The film, directed by Tarsem Singh, centers around a terminally ill billionaire who transfers his consciousness into a younger, healthier body, only to discover a dark conspiracy. While the movie failed to recoup its budget and received poor reviews, it's now finding new life on the streaming platform.

Why it matters

Reynolds is one of Hollywood's most bankable stars today, but he's had his fair share of box office failures over the years. 'Self/Less' represents one of those misfires, highlighting how even the biggest names can't guarantee a hit. The film's arrival on Prime Video also gives viewers a chance to rediscover an overlooked sci-fi premise that, while flawed, offers some entertaining thrills and action.

The details

Directed by Tarsem Singh, 'Self/Less' starred Reynolds as a young, healthy body that a terminally ill billionaire named Damian Hale, played by Ben Kingsley, transfers his consciousness into through a secret medical procedure called 'shedding.' The film follows Damian as he discovers a dark conspiracy surrounding the origin of his new vessel. Despite an intriguing high-concept premise, the movie failed to connect with critics or audiences, grossing just $31 million worldwide against a reported $26 million budget.

  • The film was released in theaters on July 10, 2015.
  • It began streaming on Prime Video on April 1, 2026.

The players

Ryan Reynolds

A popular and bankable Hollywood actor known for films like Deadpool, Blade: Trinity, and The Proposal.

Ben Kingsley

An acclaimed British actor who won an Oscar for his starring role in Gandhi and has appeared in numerous other acclaimed films.

Tarsem Singh

An Indian-American filmmaker known for his visually striking movies like The Cell, The Fall, and Mirror Mirror.

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The takeaway

Ryan Reynolds' career has seen both massive hits and significant flops, and 'Self/Less' represents one of the latter. However, the film's arrival on Prime Video gives it a chance to find a new audience who may appreciate its high-concept sci-fi premise, even if it ultimately falls short of fully exploring the deeper philosophical questions it raises.