Hugh Jackman just served a fresh plate of shade with a side of jazz hands—straight from the stage of Radio City Music Hall. That’s right, Wolverine took a break from slicing villains to slice up his BFF and Deadpool & Wolverine co-star, Ryan “Tap Shoes” Reynolds.
During his From New York, With Love concert on April 18, our boy Hugh, a spry and spicy 56, paused the classy vibes to let the crowd in on a little Marvel-sized betrayal. And by betrayal, we mean… musical betrayal. Dun dun DUN.
“I had the time of my life filming Deadpool & Wolverine,” he said, with all the sincerity of a man who just discovered his smoothie had kale in it. “But—AND I MEAN BUT—the one scene I’m not in? It’s a full-blown *NSYNC dance number starring Ryan Reynolds.” Pause for drama. “I’m sorry—Ryan? Dancing?!” Hugh exclaimed, probably trying not to burst into interpretive jazz fury right then and there.
Yes. The scene he was rudely left out of features Reynolds channeling his inner boy bander to the tune of “Bye Bye Bye.” A moment Hugh clearly wanted in on. “I don’t need to be in every scene,” he graciously lied. “But why is the only dance number the one I’m missing?” Hugh asked, voice trembling like someone who just found out brunch was canceled.
He then took an extra swipe: “Let’s be real—Ryan is great at many things, like buying aviation companies and being Canada’s gift to sarcasm, but dancing?” Hugh didn’t say “LOL” out loud, but spiritually? He screamed it.
Apparently, Ryan’s got a secret weapon: a dance double named Nick Pauley, who’s “like, 25.” Hugh basically implied Nick dances so fast, it looks like he’s buffering in real life.
But did Hugh take this dance diss lying down? NO MA’AM. He called in his own backup—trainer and former dancer Beth Lewis, and together, they threw it way back with a live rendition of “Bye Bye Bye.” Yes. On stage. In front of everyone. Retaliation has never looked so choreographed.
Also: fun fact, Hugh’s launching his own theater company because the man cannot stop being excellent. He’s also set to return to the stage in a play soon—possibly titled Ryan, You Will Rue the Day You Left Me Out of the Dance Number (working title).
