Hugh Jackman sparked laughter while accepting an award at a recent ceremony, reviving his playful relationship with Ryan Reynolds. Their well-known dynamic took center stage, highlighting the ongoing Ryan Reynolds friendly rivalry during the event.
Jackman’s Witty Remark at the Gotham Awards
At the 2025 Gotham Awards, Hugh Jackman was honored with the first-ever Gotham Musical Tribute alongside Kate Hudson for their upcoming film, Song Sung Blue. As part of his acceptance, Jackman brought attention to his good-natured competition with his Deadpool & Wolverine co-star, Ryan Reynolds. He opened his speech with a comment that quickly drew laughs and referenced their ongoing banter:
“Hey, everyone. Thank you. Thank you so much. This is so cool, and something to make Ryan Reynolds insanely jealous. I love it.”
– Hugh Jackman, Actor
Origins and Evolution of Their Good-Natured Banter
The roots of this playful rivalry can be traced back to 2009 on the set of X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Jackman and Reynolds have a long history of poking fun at each other both in interviews and online, much to the delight of their fans. According to Jackman, the teasing originally began when Scarlett Johansson—then married to Reynolds—was working with him on set. Jackman revealed his connection to Johansson led him to jokingly warn Reynolds when they first met while filming the superhero movie.
“I used to ream him because I was very close friends with Scarlett,”
Jackman recalled. – Hugh Jackman, Actor
“Scarlett had just married Ryan, so when he came on set, I was like, ‘Hey, you better be on your best behavior here, pal, because I’m watching.’”
– Hugh Jackman, Actor
Their friendly jabs escalated over time, with both actors using social media and public appearances to keep the spirit of the rivalry alive. Jackman expanded on how this all took shape over the years:
“We started ribbing each other that way, and then it all escalated with the Deadpool thing and him calling me out, and trying to manipulate me through social media to do what he wanted.”
– Hugh Jackman, Actor
The Rivalry Moves Beyond the Screen
The playful exchanges did not remain confined to sets and interviews. In 2019, Jackman and Reynolds put aside their faux feud for a brief truce, even agreeing to promote each other’s business ventures. Their connection now extends to a shared investment: they became co-owners of the Bonds Flying Roos, an Australian SailGP team. The Marvel stars announced their joint role last month, showcasing that their antics are matched by a solid partnership. Alongside Kate Hudson and Scarlet Johansson, their circle of friends continues to make headlines for mixing humor with collaboration.
Impact of a Legendary Hollywood Friendship
The enduring rivalry between Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds has entertained fans for years, adding a unique flavor to Hollywood’s landscape of friendships. Their ability to blend humor, competition, and genuine camaraderie ensures that their interactions remain a highlight for their followers. As the pair moves forward with new joint ventures and the anticipated release of Song Sung Blue, audiences can expect more memorable moments and comedic exchanges—both on-screen and off.
Official truce with @realhughjackman! As a gesture of goodwill, I’m gonna make a beautiful ad for his company, Laughing Man Coffee. Can’t wait! pic.twitter.com/M91iBBydO7
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) January 31, 2019
