Ryan Reynolds has found himself at the center of a contentious controversy following his comments about the character Nicepool in his recent film, Deadpool & Wolverine. This has emerged amid the ongoing legal battles involving his wife, Blake Lively, and director Justin Baldoni. The context surrounding these comments raises important questions about the appropriateness of character inspirations, particularly as Reynolds’ remarks appear to closely reference Baldoni, who is facing serious allegations from Lively.
Deadpool & Wolverine, which hit theaters in 2024, marked a significant milestone as one of the highest-grossing films of the year, trailing only Inside Out 2. The film’s success can largely be attributed to Reynolds’ portrayal of Deadpool and Hugh Jackman‘s much-celebrated return as Wolverine. Their on-screen chemistry and behind-the-scenes camaraderie contributed to creating a film that resonated deeply with fans. However, the buzz surrounding the movie has been overshadowed by the allegations against Baldoni, prompting scrutiny of Reynolds and his comments about the character Nicepool. Allegedly, his interpretation of Nicepool draws inspiration from Baldoni, igniting controversy.
The tension escalated with the release of the companion visual book, Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine: The Art of the Movie, which coincidentally came out on October 30, 2024, amidst the mounting legal disputes and insinuations connecting Reynolds’ character to Baldoni. A TikTok user named Bee.Better unearthed a striking quote from the book that seemingly offers a direct link between Nicepool and Baldoni, further complicating the narrative.
The specific excerpt that caught the attention of many fans is found on page 148 of the book within the section titled “With friends like this.” In this segment, Reynolds describes Nicepool as a character who is everything Deadpool aspires to be: “easy breezy, gorgeous hair, normal face, gold-plated .50 caliber Desert Eagle pistols, and this beautiful suit.” He elaborates that Nicepool embodies the characteristics of “faux nice” individuals—those who outwardly appear progressive yet harbor insincerities beneath. This commentary resonates with the recent allegations against Baldoni, who Lively claims acted inappropriately towards her.
Following these revelations, many fans began to draw parallels between Baldoni and the character Nicepool. The striking resemblance in appearance, including the notable man bun, alongside the perceived insincerity attributed to Nicepool, led some to argue this was an intentional jab at Baldoni. For instance, in the film, Nicepool makes a remark about Lively’s character, Ladypool, implying her post-pregnancy figure, a comment reminiscent of offensive remarks purportedly made by Baldoni himself.
While some defend the character as a representation of a broader Canadian stereotype—suggesting that nice Canadians like Reynolds are merely poking fun—it remains unclear if the connection to Baldoni was deliberate. Describing the character, Reynolds insisted, “They may present as very progressive and enlightened, but the truth is very different.” This nuanced portrayal opens a broader discourse on sexual harassment and the ethics of how personal experiences inform creative expression.
Additionally, the timing surrounding the film’s production raises further questions about the integrity of this artistic choice. The early script had a vague character description, and Nicepool was not envisioned with the characteristics that surfaced later in the narrative. An alleged voice note from Reynolds made public by Baldoni reiterated that he initially thought Baldoni was “nice,” complicating the actor’s later remarks. In the film, Nicepool is credited as Gordon Reynolds, a name birthed from Reynolds’ own creative musings in a 2016 GQ interview.
This situation prompts an exploration of what it means to navigate personal relationships amid legal upheaval. Reynolds and Lively are known for their playful banter in public forums, often using humor to reshape narratives surrounding their lives. However, amidst serious allegations of sexual harassment, further complicating dynamics may reveal an uncomfortable reality. Lively claims Baldoni failed to address her concerns through proper channels, a disdain that Reynolds seems to echo through his remarks about the character.
Lively’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, raised poignant reflections on the matter, stating, “What you don’t do is mock the person and turn it into a joke.” His comments suggest that Reynolds’ approach to handling the allegations surrounding Baldoni is less than appropriate, mouthing off at someone accused of serious misconduct rather than taking the situation seriously.
The discussions surrounding Nicepool and its perceived affiliations serve as a lens through which the conversation about humor, ethics, and representation within the entertainment industry must be examined. As fans steel themselves for the unfolding dynamics and understand the implications of Reynolds’ comments, it becomes increasingly clear that these interactions will leave a lasting impact on the actors involved, the narratives told, and the industry at large. The next chapters of this saga will determine whether this incident influences future collaborations or changes the discourse surrounding creative licenses within Hollywood.
