Hollywood superstars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman are calling on Luton film fans to be ‘heroes’ by becoming blood donors in a collaboration between NHS Blood and Transplant and Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine movie.
The actors star in an NHS video where they explain that while Deadpool & Wolverine features plenty of fake blood, it is real blood that is needed to save lives – and urge viewers to book an appointment to donate.
The video will be shared on social media and shown in cinemas with the tagline: ‘Be the giving type’, encouraging people to come together and also nods to the movie uniting the two Marvel characters for the first time.
It is hoped that the collaboration with Deadpool & Wolverine will reach people who may not have considered blood donation, particularly younger people and people of Black heritage who are especially needed.
In the video Hugh explains that it takes only one hour to save three lives before he and Ryan engage in the type of humorous banter which Deadpool is known for.
Ryan closes the video by urging viewers to book an appointment to donate before the pair make a tongue-in-cheek apology.
Mark Chambers, Director of Donor Experience for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We are delighted to team up with Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine and have the incredible support of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman to highlight the lifesaving power of blood donation.
“Deadpool saves the day, but blood donors save lives. We hope film fans will be inspired to become a hero in their own story by giving blood.
“Right now the NHS needs more young people to become the donors of the future. And we urgently need more donors of Black heritage to help patients who need ethnically matched blood.
“Giving blood is quick and easy and each donation saves up to three lives. Please register today and book an appointment to donate. After all, not all heroes wear capes and saving lives is more impressive than any superpower out there.”
This is NHS Blood and Transplant’s fourth blood donation film partnership with Disney following collaborations with Free Guy in 2021 and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in 2022.
Every minute the NHS needs three lifesaving blood donations to play a vital role in fighting cancer, combatting conditions like sickle cell and treating those injured in accidents. Right now there is a particular need for donors with O negative blood, which is the universal blood type and given to all patients in emergency situations.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Blood donors are real-life superheroes, and we’re so grateful to everyone who can step forward and help save lives.
“Getting the NHS back on its feet will need to be a national mission, and that includes the efforts of everyone who volunteers to give blood.”
Luton’s Donor Centre is in Bridge Street and you can sign up today and book an appointment to donate and then see Deadpool & Wolverine at Cineworld from July 25.
