Ryan Reynolds Accused of Mocking Justin Baldoni in Deadpool & Wolverine with Inside Joke

In a dramatic turn of events, Ryan Reynolds has been accused of using his creative influence in Deadpool & Wolverine to allegedly parody actor-director Justin Baldoni. The claims come amidst an escalating legal battle between Baldoni, 40, and Reynolds’ wife, Blake Lively, 37, who has accused Baldoni of sexual harassment during the filming of It Ends With Us. Baldoni has countered with a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times over what he describes as a calculated smear campaign.

The Allegations

Appearing on The Megyn Kelly Show, attorney Bryan Freedman alleged that Reynolds, 48, created a character named “Nicepool” in the summer blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine to mock Baldoni. The character sports a man bun, a hairstyle frequently associated with Baldoni, and engages in dialogue referencing social activism and pregnancy—a pointed nod to Baldoni’s public persona as a feminist and Lively’s real-life pregnancy.

Freedman commented on the film clip, saying, “If your wife has been sexually harassed, you don’t mock the alleged perpetrator. You treat the situation with seriousness.” He argued that Reynolds’ comedic approach undermines the gravity of Lively’s claims and trivializes the broader issue of harassment.

The accusations also connect Reynolds to Lively’s ongoing case against Baldoni, suggesting that the actor’s humor may have been used as a form of retaliation against Baldoni.

The Nicepool Character

In the movie, Deadpool (played by Reynolds) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) encounter “Nicepool,” a Deadpool variant characterized by his feminist proclamations and light-hearted comments. At one point, Nicepool remarks about “Ladypool”—a character played by Lively—saying, “She’s incredible. She just had a baby, and you can’t even tell!” This, combined with his exaggerated gestures and self-identification as a feminist, has drawn comparisons to Baldoni’s TED Talk and public statements advocating for gender equality.

Baldoni, known for his speech Why I’m Done Trying to Be ‘Man Enough’ and his articles on feminist parenting, has long been vocal about amplifying women’s voices. His supporters claim the Nicepool depiction is a deliberate dig, designed to humiliate him amid his ongoing disputes with Lively and Reynolds.

A Tense Backstory

The allegations are rooted in tensions that reportedly boiled over during the production of It Ends With Us. According to Lively’s legal filings, Baldoni allegedly engaged in unprofessional and inappropriate conduct, including criticizing her postpartum appearance and adding unapproved intimate scenes to the film. Baldoni has denied all accusations, describing them as baseless and defamatory.

Freedman claims a fiery meeting between Baldoni and Reynolds occurred during the film’s production, where Reynolds allegedly confronted Baldoni about his behavior toward Lively. Witnesses describe Reynolds as “firm but not shouting,” while Baldoni called the encounter “traumatic.”

Adding fuel to the fire, Freedman revealed that Lively accused Reynolds of secretly scripting a scene for It Ends With Us, a claim that surprised the film’s producers and writers.

The Fallout

Since the legal battles began, Baldoni has faced professional repercussions, including being dropped by WME, his talent agency. The controversy surrounding Deadpool & Wolverine has only intensified public scrutiny, as fans dissect the film for potential references to Baldoni.

The drama highlights the blurred line between art and personal vendettas, raising questions about whether Reynolds crossed a boundary by incorporating real-life tensions into a fictional narrative.

A Blockbuster Under Scrutiny

Despite the controversy, Deadpool & Wolverine—which also stars Emma Corrin as Cassandra Nova—has been a massive hit. However, its production coincided with the brewing tension between Baldoni, Lively, and Reynolds, casting a shadow over the film’s success.

Meanwhile, It Ends With Us, adapted from Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel, has garnered both critical acclaim and box office success, earning $350 million globally. Yet, its behind-the-scenes drama continues to make headlines, leaving fans and industry insiders wondering how these allegations will impact the careers of the stars involved.

With lawsuits flying in all directions, the saga is far from over. As Hollywood watches closely, the story serves as a stark reminder of the complexities that arise when personal conflicts collide with professional endeavors.