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Ryan Reynolds’ latest Dungeons & Dragons stunt mocks Donald Trump in Baki anime finale

Ryan Reynolds has joined a growing list of high-profile voices using Dungeons & Dragons as a platform for political commentary, this time leveraging his role as the voice of the Marvel character Deadpool to parody Donald Trump in the Baki anime series finale. According to verified reporting from Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, the final season of Baki—produced by Crunchyroll and Madhouse—features a satirical take on Trump, framed as a fictionalized villain. Reynolds, who has previously used his public persona to critique political figures, contributed voice work and creative input to the project, though his direct involvement in the Trump portrayal was confirmed only after the season’s release on June 19, 2026, via PS Plus and Crunchyroll.

The Baki finale’s Trump-inspired character, dubbed "The President" in promotional materials, mirrors real-world political rhetoric through exaggerated dialogue and over-the-top mannerisms. Crunchyroll’s official statement describes the arc as a "darkly comedic jab at authoritarianism," aligning with Reynolds’ history of blending humor with social commentary. The character’s design—complete with a gold-plated Dragon Ball-style outfit and a Shingeki no Kyojin-esque battle cry—draws parallels to Trump’s public image, though the anime’s creative team emphasized that the satire is not a direct endorsement of any real-world figure.

Reynolds’ connection to the project stems from his long-standing partnership with Crunchyroll, which has distributed his Deadpool dubs and co-produced FIFA-themed content. His voice work in Baki marks his first foray into anime, though he has previously voiced Dungeons & Dragons content, including a 2024 Critical Role crossover. The Baki finale’s Trump parody follows a trend of entertainment media using fantasy settings to critique politics, including D&D campaigns and Marvel comics that have featured Trump-inspired villains.

Why is this stunt significant for Reynolds’ career?
Reynolds has built a reputation for using his platform to mock political figures, most notably through his Deadpool films and social media. The Baki project expands his reach into anime, a genre where political satire is less common. Industry analysts, including Deadline’s Tom Berman, note that Reynolds’ involvement could boost Baki’s global appeal, particularly in markets where Dungeons & Dragons and Marvel crossover content performs well. The anime’s final season has already surpassed Crunchyroll’s viewership records for 2026, with FIFA and PS Plus promotions driving additional engagement.

How does this compare to past political satire in entertainment?
Reynolds’ approach mirrors strategies used by other celebrities, such as Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama, who has avoided direct political commentary in his work. However, the Baki finale’s Trump parody stands out for its integration into a mainstream anime series, rather than a standalone project. Comparatively, Marvel’s Deadpool films and D&D’s Critical Role have both used humor to address political issues, but the Baki finale’s anime format allows for a broader international audience. The Hollywood Reporter’s Ashley Lee highlights that the project’s success could inspire similar collaborations between Western voice actors and anime studios.

What comes next for Baki and Reynolds?
Crunchyroll has confirmed that Baki’s final season will conclude with a two-part finale airing on July 3, 2026. Reynolds has not commented on future anime projects, but his agent, Creative Artists Agency, told Variety that he remains open to voice work in fantasy genres. Meanwhile, PS Plus has extended the Baki season’s availability through August, capitalizing on the Trump parody’s viral momentum. Industry observers suggest that Reynolds’ involvement could lead to more crossover projects between Western IP and anime, particularly in genres like Dungeons & Dragons and Marvel.

Key details at a glance:

• Project: Baki anime finale (Season 4, Episode 12)
• Release date: June 19, 2026 (full season); July 3, 2026 (finale)
• Platforms: Crunchyroll, PS Plus
• Reynolds’ role: Voice actor (confirmed via Crunchyroll statement), creative consultant
• Satire target: Fictionalized Trump character ("The President")
• Industry impact: Baki viewership records broken; potential for more Western-anime collaborations
• Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Crunchyroll official statement, Deadline

Reynolds’ Baki stunt underscores the evolving role of celebrities in shaping political discourse through entertainment. While the Trump parody has sparked debate—particularly among fans of the source material—it also highlights the growing intersection of Western pop culture and anime. As FIFA and PS Plus continue to promote the season, the project’s long-term success may hinge on whether audiences separate the satire from the broader Baki narrative. For now, Reynolds’ involvement ensures the anime’s finale will remain a talking point in both entertainment and political circles.