In a delightful twist, it turns out that the slick moves of Deadpool in the latest superhero blockbuster, “Deadpool & Wolverine,” were not performed by Ryan Reynolds himself, Queerty writes.
Instead, the dance sequence to NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye,” which has caught the attention of many, was the work of Nick Pauley, a talented queer dancer and choreographer.
This revelation adds a queer sparkle to the movie’s action-packed opening scene, showcasing Deadpool battling foes while flawlessly executing iconic choreography .
Pauley’s involvement in the film has been celebrated not just for his impressive dance skills but also for bringing a touch of queer representation to the superhero genre.
Known for his work with high-profile artists like Doja Cat and Katy Perry, and even a memorable performance alongside Meryl Streep in “The Prom,” Pauley has a knack for making waves on and off the stage.
His journey to this point hasn’t been without its challenges, including standing up against conservative backlash following his participation in Sam Smith and Kim Petras’ controversial Grammys performance.
+Related: Gay Dancer Travis Wall Defends Disrespectful TV Host
Pauley shared his excitement and gratitude on social media, thanking Ryan Reynolds and director Shawn Levy for their support.
He expressed how being part of the movie was a surreal experience and highlighted the welcoming environment on set, which made him feel “right at home” .
Pauley wrote, “It’s true! I am Dancepool in the new “Deadpool and Wolverine” 🥹 This secret has been so hard to keep! I can’t believe I have the honor of being @vancityreynolds “dance” double for the opening scene of the entire movie!!! Like what?!? What is life?”
“Deadpool & Wolverine” has been praised for its R-rated humor and action, staying true to Deadpool’s irreverent style, but also received criticism for some tasteless gay banter.
Hopefully the movie’s playful yet meaningful inclusion of queer talent like Pauley adds a layer of depth to the otherwise over-the-top narrative.
For those of us who love to see our community represented in big ways, Nick Pauley’s role as “Dancepool” is a celebratory moment—both on-screen and behind the scenes.
It’s not just about the dance moves but the recognition and visibility of queer performers in major Hollywood productions. So, if you haven’t seen the movie yet, maybe it’s time to grab a ticket and witness this fab moment for yourself!
+Related: Gay Fave Nicholas Galitzine in New Movie with Hugh Jackman
