Hugh Jackman Reveals His One Complaint About ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’—And It’s All About Ryan Reynolds’ Dance Moves

Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds’ playful friendship has long been the subject of jokes and banter, with the duo known for their humorous public interactions. In their most recent exchange, Jackman, 56, took the opportunity to jokingly shade Reynolds, 48, for leaving his character, Wolverine, out of the now-famous dance scene in Deadpool & Wolverine, the 2024 Marvel blockbuster that has grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide.

The scene in question, which kicks off the film, features Deadpool (Reynolds) performing a cheeky dance number to NSYNC’s hit song “Bye, Bye, Bye.” Choreographed by Darrin Henson, the sequence became an instant fan favorite, though Jackman’s Wolverine was notably absent, which would later become a running joke between the two stars.

The Joking Shade: Jackman’s Comments at Radio City Music Hall

During a performance at his From New York, With Love stage show at Radio City Music Hall on April 18, 2025, Jackman couldn’t resist poking fun at Reynolds. The 12-show run, which began in January 2025, offers Jackman a chance to share personal anecdotes, career insights, and musical performances with his audience. Amid the laughter and cheers, Jackman lightheartedly revealed a “little gripe” about the Deadpool & Wolverine film: his absence from the iconic dance scene.

“Don’t tell Ryan,” Jackman began, setting the stage for his humorous dig. He added, “The one scene I’m not in has dance. Now Ryan, he’s very talented, but dancing?” The audience erupted with laughter as Jackman, known for his acclaimed performances in The Greatest Showman, made light of his exclusion from the choreography.

Jackman went on to joke that while he and Reynolds share nearly every other scene in the movie, the opening number was an exception. He even mentioned that Reynolds, who contributed to the film’s script, had written in the dance sequence, which involved a younger, more agile dance double named Nick Pauley, described as “like 25 years old.” Jackman humorously quipped that there was “no way” he could match Pauley’s moves and performed a stage dance called “The Dance That Got Away,” set to the same NSYNC song. This number, choreographed by his trainer and ex-dancer, Beth Lewis, included jump rope elements, showcasing Jackman’s signature agility and dexterity.

The Dance Scene in Deadpool & Wolverine: A Breakdown

The dance scene in Deadpool & Wolverine stands out as one of the movie’s most irreverent and humorous moments. True to the film’s R-rated tone, it juxtaposes ridiculousness with action-packed gags, reflecting the playful nature of the Deadpool franchise. While Jackman’s Wolverine appears in the majority of scenes, his absence from the dance sequence became a quirky point of contention, with many fans (especially those familiar with his Broadway background) feeling that the scene was a missed opportunity for Jackman’s own dancing talents.

However, it was Reynolds’ decision to bring in a dance double, Nick Pauley, that has added another layer to the ongoing friendly rivalry between the two actors. Pauley’s youthful energy and perfect choreography highlighted just how much of a contrast there was between Jackman’s physicality and the demands of the sequence.

Public Reaction and Impact

Jackman’s comments have further solidified the bond between him and Reynolds, whose playful back-and-forth has captivated their fans for years. The pair’s humorous dynamic is often showcased in social media posts, interviews, and public appearances, with fans regularly commenting on the affectionate “rivalry” that has become one of Hollywood’s favorite bromances.

Following Jackman’s remarks, fans took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter), with many expressing their agreement that the dance scene “should’ve had him written all over it.” The incident highlighted the personal connections that actors bring to their work, not only on-screen but also in live performances, where Jackman’s own performance added another layer of fun for his audience.

Jackman’s humorous jab at Reynolds is just the latest chapter in their ongoing playful banter. With the Deadpool franchise showing no signs of slowing down, fans can only hope that future films will provide even more opportunities for the two actors to share the screen – and perhaps, next time, share the dance floor as well.