The dynamic duo behind Deadpool and Wolverine share a long-running friendship, immortalized in a gallery of memories and an ongoing cinematic partnership.
Ryan Reynolds knows how to celebrate a friend, especially when that friend is Hugh Jackman, the man behind the iconic Wolverine. To mark Jackman’s 56th birthday, Reynolds took to Instagram with a warm, Deadpool-themed tribute. In his post, Reynolds shared a collection of 16 photos documenting their years of friendship, adventures, and onscreen collaborations.
“I hope we get to do this till we’re 90,” Reynolds wrote, referencing both their enduring friendship and the Deadpool & Wolverine franchise. Fans of the films will recognize this as a playful nod to a recurring joke from the movie, where Deadpool humorously comments on Jackman’s seemingly eternal role as Wolverine. “Disney’s gonna make him do this ‘til he’s 90,” Deadpool quips in the film, poking fun at the studio’s love of nostalgia and Jackman’s frequent returns to the character.
A Friendship That Spans Decades
The photo gallery shared by Reynolds included highlights from over the years, featuring snaps from the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con, the set of Deadpool & Wolverine, and other moments of the two actors together. Among the shots were glamorous black-tie events and casual fun at the Racecourse Ground, home of Reynolds’ soccer club, Wrexham A.F.C.
In addition to his heartfelt post, Reynolds shared an Instagram story wishing “Happy birthday to the one and only Greatest Showman,” a nod to Jackman’s critically acclaimed role in The Greatest Showman.
A Legendary On-Screen Duo
Reynolds and Jackman’s friendship first blossomed when they worked together in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine, which introduced Reynolds’ Wade Wilson (Deadpool) to the big screen. Though the film didn’t meet fan expectations, their chemistry was undeniable, and Reynolds’ portrayal of Deadpool became a breakout character. He later revisited the role in Deadpool 2, where the infamous time-travel scene poked fun at their earlier collaboration.
Their first true team-up, however, didn’t come until 2024 with Deadpool & Wolverine, directed by Shawn Levy, who previously worked with Reynolds on Free Guy. The film, which fans had eagerly awaited, allowed Jackman and Reynolds to fully explore their comedic and action-packed dynamic, solidifying them as one of Marvel’s most beloved duos.
A Friendship Beyond Film
Offscreen, Reynolds and Jackman’s friendship is just as fun and engaging as their film characters. From attending NFL games together (once with Taylor Swift!) to frequently interacting on social media, their bond extends far beyond the Marvel universe. Jackman even made a guest appearance in Reynolds’ soccer documentary series Welcome to Wrexham.
Their camaraderie is so infectious that they often promote each other’s ventures. For example, earlier this week, Jackman released a promo video for his upcoming music tour, and Reynolds, ever the supportive friend, made a surprise cameo in the promotional clip, despite having no connection to the project.
What’s Next for the Dynamic Duo?
Reynolds and Jackman have expressed interest in working on more projects together, with Reynolds teasing the idea of starring alongside Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. Wherever their adventures take them next, one thing is certain: this partnership is as enduring as Wolverine himself. And if Reynolds has his way, they’ll be sharing the screen — and celebrating birthdays — well into their nineties.
As Reynolds put it best: “A lot of years. A lot of adventures.”
