Ryan Reynolds, celebrated for his multifaceted talents, recently surprised fans when a clip from Deadpool & Wolverine showcased his character, Merc with the Mouth, dancing to NSYNC’s iconic “Bye Bye Bye.” The scene, featuring Deadpool dispatching Time Variance Authority officers with slick moves, quickly went viral. However, Reynolds himself has revealed a surprising fact: he wasn’t the mastermind behind those funky steps.
It turns out the dazzling choreography is the work of Nick Pauley. Reynolds, acknowledging his limitations in dance, openly credited Pauley for the opening scene’s flair. “There’s the moments where there’s a bit of a pop and lock,” Reynolds humorously commented at a press conference, as reported by With Ashley and Company. He added, “Except the pop really pops, like it cracks, and the lock will not unlock — so yeah, I would do anything I could to free myself up. I will hang [my hat] on Nick Pauley’s talent and thank him for his contribution and services.” This candid admission highlights the collaborative effort behind creating memorable movie moments, especially those involving dance.
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Pauley, the choreographer responsible for the “Bye Bye Bye Deadpool Dance”, embraced the recognition. He shared an Instagram video showcasing his own rendition of the choreography, expressing gratitude to Reynolds for the opportunity. “Thank you @vancityreynolds for believing in me to play Dancepool,” Pauley wrote, calling the experience “the greatest honor of my life.” His post not only confirms his role but also adds a layer of authenticity to the viral dance, connecting the moves directly to the choreographer’s passion.
The buzz around the “bye bye bye deadpool dance” and the film itself has translated into significant box office success. Deadpool & Wolverine dominated its opening weekend, raking in a staggering $205 million globally. This impressive debut not only marks the biggest opening weekend of the year but also positions the film as a major cinematic event, signaling a potential resurgence for superhero movies after a period of perceived genre fatigue.
The film’s success is undoubtedly fueled by the star power of Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, coupled with its status as Marvel Studios’ sole film release for 2024 (excluding Sony’s Marvel-related projects). Coming at a time when Marvel is looking to reignite fan enthusiasm, Deadpool & Wolverine and its viral dance moment offer a potent combination of action, humor, and now, memorable dance choreography, proving that sometimes the best movie magic comes from unexpected collaborations and a willingness to share the spotlight.