Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds toasts a blockbuster payday after drinks giant Diageo buys his gin brand for £465m
Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds was toasting a massive payday yesterday after the world’s biggest drinks company, Diageo, bought his gin brand for £465million.
The FTSE 100 owner of Guinness and Johnnie Walker whisky acquired Aviation American Gin, which sells for between £31 and £36 per 700ml bottle in the UK, as the latest celebrity-backed spirit in its stable.
Canadian-born Reynolds will retain a stake in the brand and has signed an agreement to continue working on its marketing for the next decade.
Celebrity appeal: Diageo has bought Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds’s Aviation American Gin brand for £465m
His share has not been disclosed but is understood to be substantial.
The X-Men actor, 43, said learning about the gin industry had brought a ‘sheer creative joy’.
Reynolds was one of the highest-paid actors in 2020 with his annual earnings reaching £54million, according to Forbes, thanks to lucrative roles with streaming services Netflix, including 6 Underground.
In 2017, Diageo bought George Clooney’s tequila brand Casamigo for £790million.
It also has a partnership with David Beckham for Haig Club whisky.