At the star-studded world premiere of Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine in New York City on July 22,
Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds shared a light-hearted moment on the red carpet, discussing the overwhelming fame of their friends Taylor Swift and Blake Lively.
The two actors, who play the titular roles in the much-anticipated film, reflected on how attending events with Swift and Lively can sometimes make them feel overshadowed.
“If you ever really want to kinda not feel great about your career, go to [an NFL] game with Taylor Swift and Blake Lively — and then you’re Blake Lively, Taylor Swift and others at the game,” Jackman, 55, joked to PEOPLE.
Reynolds, 47, echoed the sentiment, adding, “We’re just and others.”
The pair’s comments refer to the time they, along with Swift and Lively, attended the Kansas City Chiefs game on October 1, 2023. The event garnered significant media attention, not least because of Swift’s relationship with Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce, 34.
Swift, who is a 14-time Grammy winner, has been a fixture at Chiefs games throughout the past NFL season, cheering on Kelce and generating a buzz wherever she goes.
Asked if they would attend another game, Jackman responded enthusiastically, “Oh, I hope so,” while Reynolds quipped, “You don’t say no to that.” Their willingness to join another high-profile NFL event underscores their close friendship with Swift and Lively.
Swift’s influence extends beyond the football field. Over the past year, she has been a dominant force in the music industry and popular culture. Her presence at the Chiefs games has often diverted the spotlight from even the biggest stars.
Swift attended 13 Chiefs games last season, and Kelce reciprocated by being present at 14 of her Eras Tour shows. Their public display of affection, including a memorable kiss after the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory in February, has captivated fans and media alike.
Swift and Lively’s friendship dates back to 2015, and they have supported each other’s careers and personal lives ever since.
Lively, who is married to Reynolds, has frequently been seen with Swift at various public events, including the Super Bowl and the Chiefs vs. Jets game on October 1.
At these events, Jackman and Reynolds were also photographed alongside the two women, emphasizing the tight-knit nature of their social circle.
In a 2022 interview, Reynolds admitted that he, Lively, and their children are “obsessed” with Swift. This admiration is mutual, as Swift has involved the couple’s children in her music.
Their daughter James’ voice is featured on the 2017 Reputation track “Gorgeous,” and Swift also gave a nod to James and the couple’s other daughters, Inez and Betty, on her 2020 folklore track “Betty.”
Swift’s acknowledgment of Lively and Reynolds in her 2021 Grammys acceptance speech, when folklore won Album of the Year, further highlights their close relationship.
Later that year, Lively directed the music video for Swift’s “I Bet You Think About Me.”
As they continue to promote Deadpool & Wolverine, Reynolds and Jackman have been spending more time together, further solidifying their bond.
One notable experience was their visit to Madonna’s home with director Shawn Levy. They sought her permission to use her 1989 hit “Like a Prayer” in the Deadpool & Wolverine trailer and movie.
Despite Madonna’s reluctance to license her songs, particularly such an iconic one, their collective star power helped secure her approval.
Deadpool & Wolverine, which hits theaters on July 26, is expected to be a major box office success, driven by the star power of Reynolds and Jackman.
Their playful rapport and candid reflections on fame add a layer of relatability to their public personas, endearing them even more to fans.
