Ryan Reynolds, who’s known for his quick wit and charismatic performances, has yet another feather in his cap with his portrayal of Deadpool. But let’s be honest—while he’s got the Deadpool quips down pat, he’s not exactly busting out Justin Timberlake-level dance moves on his own.
Let’s take a closer look at a particularly memorable moment from Deadpool & Wolverine that showcases Reynolds’ dance prowess—or, more accurately, his dance double’s impressive skills. In the film, there’s a sequence where Deadpool, masked and all, shows off some iconic choreography that might feel familiar to fans of NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye” music video. However, as Reynolds humorously pointed out during a recent press conference, the dance moves aren’t exactly his own.
“You see, if the dancer looks like they don’t have arthritis,” Reynolds quipped, “that’s definitely him.” He was referring to Nick Pauley, the choreographer and dance double who gets a spotlight moment in this scene. Reynolds, who’s 47, was quick to acknowledge Pauley’s contribution, highlighting that the choreographer is the real star when it comes to executing those *NSYNC-inspired moves.
In this scene, Deadpool is up to his usual antics—this time, he’s desecrating the grave of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, following the X-Men character’s death in the 2017 film Logan. Deadpool, with his penchant for irreverence, uses Wolverine’s adamantium bones as makeshift weapons to take down members of the Time Variance Authority. All of this, of course, while dancing to “Bye Bye Bye.” It’s a moment of dark humor, action, and unexpected choreography that only Deadpool could pull off.
Pauley, who’s been dubbed “Dancepool” in the film credits, has had quite the career. Beyond this quirky Deadpool moment, he’s appeared in the 2020 film The Prom and has been featured in music videos for artists like Katy Perry and Doja Cat. His ability to blend classic dance moves with cinematic flair is something that Reynolds and the film’s director, Shawn Levy, couldn’t have done without.
During the press conference, Reynolds reflected on Pauley’s role in the film with genuine admiration. “There are moments where you see a bit of pop and lock,” he said, pointing out the scenes where Deadpool is on camera. “The pop really pops, like it cracks. And the lock—well, the lock will not unlock.” In other words, while Reynolds can manage a few dance moves in the suit, the real magic happens when Pauley takes over.
Reynolds was quick to express his gratitude towards Pauley, acknowledging, “I will hang my hat on his talent there and thank him for his contribution and services.” This isn’t just a throwaway comment; Reynolds clearly respects the effort and skill that went into creating those memorable dance moments.
Pauley didn’t just show up and perform, though. He also shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse into his preparation for the role. On social media, Pauley posted a video of himself learning and rehearsing the *NSYNC choreography on short notice. It’s a testament to his dedication and skill that he was able to pull off such an iconic dance routine with little time to prepare.
Deadpool & Wolverine represents a significant moment for the Deadpool franchise. Following the success of 2016’s Deadpool and 2018’s Deadpool 2, this latest installment marks the first film in the series released under Walt Disney Studios. With Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox, including the X-Men characters, this film becomes part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The movie's release on July 26 was nothing short of historic. It achieved the biggest R-rated opening of all time and secured its place as the eighth-biggest domestic opening in film history. This impressive feat underscores the continuing popularity and impact of the Deadpool series, blending irreverent humor, intense action, and unique moments like the *NSYNC dance sequence that fans are sure to remember.
So, while Ryan Reynolds may not be cutting a rug with the precision of a professional dancer, he’s got Nick Pauley to thank for making Deadpool’s dance scenes truly memorable. From the behind-the-scenes efforts to the high-energy choreography, it’s clear that every element of Deadpool & Wolverine was crafted with a mix of humor, skill, and dedication.
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