Not a great actor.

He is not a great actor but is very likable with good comedic delivery, and when given suitable material, ie Deadpool, can be very entertaining.

Not an actor at all. He's a movie star.

To his credit, he has never claimed to be one. In fact, he’s poked fun at himself as an actor. So, you lose! Bahaha.

Reynolds has always nailed a wide range of comedic roles, he didn’t make a career phoning it in in rom-coms. Has he been simply Ryan Reynolds in many of them? Yeah... so? Not every damn actor has to be chameleon-like in order to be a good actor. If an actor can be believable and succeed in certain roles or movies, then what’s the big deal? Showing range is always appreciated, but some actors have such strong charisma that they are always watchable and have the ability to carry a movie. That being said, Reynolds has undoubtedly proven to have real (dramatic) acting chops in movies such as Buried, Amityville Horror, and especially Safe House where he actually gave the one and only Denzel Washington a run for his money. Reynolds was impressively effective in all of these. So yea, he’s no slouch.

As for doing superhero movies to stay relevant, uh... well, apart from Reynolds being a longtime fan of the character he is now best know for (and who’s unlike most superheroes), the truth is superheroes movies - particularly those with Marvel characters - are the biggest thing around because they are quality movies, they resonate with many viewers, and they are the definition of escapism. Oh, what a crime! Not every one of them has been a home run, but most of the biggest ones out there have been all kinds of excellent. Sanctimonious film snobs will claim otherwise naturally, but that’s why we have people like you complaining about well-liked actors. ;)

Moreoever, a large number of respected and decidedly relevant actors, from numerous Oscar nominees/winners to even those with a notable theater background, have joined these movies. Most big name actors are. Is it for the paycheck? Ooh, I know what CBM haters (or even some smart ass fans of these movies) will say! That is perhaps a big part of it, sure. But at the end of the day, these actors know these movies are more than just cash cows - they are esteemed (film snobs notwithstanding). That’s correct. They also probably like the thought of being part of something large scale, exciting and very much unique. Simple as that.

Anyway, love or hate it, Reynolds’ casting as Deadpool is one of the most perfect in all of film history. He has become iconic in the role. You heard/read that right, biiiiiiiiiiiiitch! :}