• Reynolds and Jackman have just broke box office records with Deadpool & Wolverine
• Jackman called Reynolds with an idea for Wolverine’s return after a ‘crappy week’
• Reynolds’ Instagram post about Jackman has already received over 2.7m likes
Ryan Reynolds has paid a touching tribute to his Deadpool & Wolverine co-star Hugh Jackman in a recent Instagram post.
The pair, who have just made history by starring in what has now become the highest grossing R-rated movie of all time, have been friends for a number of years but, with Jackman seemingly consigning Wolverine to the past after the character died at the end of 2017’s Logan, it didn’t appear that the X-Men icon would ever feature alongside Deadpool.
Then came a phone call that changed everything.
In an Instagram post, Reynolds paid tribute to his friend and co-star with a series of pictures from the film and behind-the-scenes shots, accompanied by a lengthy caption detailing the pair’s friendship and the enormous respect and admiration he holds for Jackman.
Recently, Reynolds revealed exclusively to Pubity that Hugh Jackman sent him and Deadpool & Wolverine director Shawn Levy a 17-minute voicenote before the film, making his pitch for the role and hints for the plot.
On the red carpet at the premiere of Deadpool and Wolverine, Reynolds said: “His voicenote cracked the script open for us, the story, we already had the how and the why but what Hugh identified in the story was the thing that took it from good to great and we’re super grateful for that.
“The first 11-12 minutes were a slog, he was just listing his credits, accomplishments and awards, there was a long list, but when he got to the movie in the final 40 seconds he really helped us in every way, shape and form.”
They also talked about the return of Tyler Mane as Sabretooth, one of Wolverine’s traditional nemeses in the comics and previous movies. “He was one of the coolest guys,” said Jackman of the former WWE star.
“On August 14th, 2022, @thehughjackmanstopped his car to call me.
“He’d been having a crappy week… he’d had the flu, two flat tires and some random idiot egged his house. But what happened next, happened fast. He told me he wanted to bring The Wolverine back.
“Months later, he not only brought Wolvie back into the light, he’d (at long last) wear the iconic yellow suit.
“@slevydirect and I didn’t talk about it much, but we were feeling a TON of pressure; worrying about how we walk these characters into the MCU, worrying about all of our secret characters STAYING secret — along with so many moving parts. But when Hugh stepped onto set in THAT SUIT… everyone knew something special was happening. I remember thinking everything was gonna be okay.
“For months of filming and 100 years of editing and post production, I had a front row seat to WOLVERINE. Watching and learning from my friend and favourite actor. Two things can be true: 1) Sometimes I eat too much sugar, and secretly egg his house so I can feel something. And 2) I can be both a fan and friend, simultaneously.
“I met him in Sydney around 2007. Back then he was already a movie star and I walked onto set a supporting actor. Showing up midway through production isn’t too dissimilar to starting a new school. I was a nervous mess. Film sets can have a scary imbalance of power and I remember seeing how he treated every member of the crew with genuine respect and appreciation. He made a case that the term “filmmaker” isn’t just for people with their name on the poster.
“I don’t know anyone more thoughtful, and classy than Hugh. He’ll do anything for someone he loves. He’ll do anything for someone he just met.
“In Deadpool & Wolverine Hugh didn’t just make dreams come true for fans of Wolverine. He made MY dreams come true too. He is THE X-Man.
Deadpool & Wolverine has taken in $1,085.6bn at the box office so far, surpassing Joker as the highest grossing R-rated movie of all time.
