Ryan Reynolds has heaped massive praise on New Zealand's upcoming sensation

Hollywood A-lister Ryan Reynolds has heaped praise on teenage Kiwi acting sensation Julian Dennison, describing his Deadpool 2 co-star as "the greatest".

Dennison, 14, received worldwide acclaim by playing the role of Ricky Baker in last year's Kiwi smash-hit Hunt For the Wilderpeople.

As well as wowing cinemagoers with his acting ability, the teen also generated huge support and respect on publicity tours for the Taika Waititi-directed hit.

Dennison has been in Canada filming the Deadpool sequel alongside cast-mates Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Brianna Hildebrand, T.J. Miler and Morena Baccarin.

In an exclusive interview with the Herald, Reynolds - who is a member of the Hollywood Walk of Fame and earnt a Golden Globe nominee for the 2016 Deadpool release - said he was hugely impressed by Dennison's talent.

"He's the greatest!" Reynolds said.

"And I'll tell you one thing about that kid is he is hitting an absolutely tiny target to hit, every day on that set. I'm so proud of him and I just love him so much."

Reynolds made the comments while promoting his new film The Hitman's Bodyguard.

Reynolds revealed that Dennison's casting in Deadpool 2 came about partly as result of his friendship with Waititi, who played Reynolds' on-screen buddy in the 2011 Green Lantern movie.

"I'm very good friends with Taika," Reynolds said.

"So that's kind of how I found him. Obviously I saw Taika's film and I was like 'Who is this kid and what voodoo did you put on him to make him this good?'.

"And Taika said 'He just is that good.' He was the only one we ever considered for the role."

• This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission.