The Wild True Story Behind the Decade’s Most Iconic Marvel Scene

The opening moments of 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine immediately confront a major concern for fans of the poignant 2017 film Logan. True to his irreverent nature, Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) breaks the fourth wall to ask: “How are we going to do this without dishonoring Logan’s memory?” His answer is characteristically blunt: “We’re not.”

What follows is a delightfully macabre sequence where Deadpool exhumes Logan’s remains, revealing a skeleton still encased in near-indestructible adamantium. As agents from the Time Variance Authority arrive to intercept him, the Merc with a Mouth turns Wolverine’s bones into a lethal arsenal. He fashions a rib into a projectile, swings the skull and spine like a medieval flail, and wields leg bones as makeshift nunchucks. This carnage is set to the upbeat rhythm of NSYNC’s 2000 anthem “Bye Bye Bye,” with Deadpool expertly mimicking the boy band’s iconic choreography amidst the flying viscera.

This grand reintroduction was made possible by Nick Pauley, the professional dancer who stepped into the suit to perform those pitch-perfect moves—earning him the official credit of “Dancepool.” Below, Pauley recounts his journey from receiving a cryptic audition call to performing on the Oscar stage.

The Audition

In mid-February 2024, I was relaxing at my parents’ home in the Bay Area when a text from my agent changed everything. The instructions were simple but urgent: learn the “Bye Bye Bye” dance immediately and submit a video. While the specific project was a secret, the involvement of Disney signaled that this was a major opportunity.

Mastering the art of the introduction.

I spent hours perfecting the routine, focusing on the precision of every movement. The “stomp-hop” was deceptively difficult to get right. After submitting the video, the response was nearly instantaneous: they wanted me in Los Angeles the next day for a fitting.

The Fitting

I arrived at a Burbank warehouse and finally saw the Deadpool suit. It was a surreal moment for a Marvel fan; the craftsmanship was incredible—simultaneously flexible and sturdy. Even then, I wasn’t entirely sure if this was for a feature film or a commercial. Within hours of trying it on, I was officially cast. The entire process moved at lightning speed.

On Set

By February 22, I was on a blue-screen set. Ryan Reynolds approached me, peeling off his facial prosthetics to introduce himself. I was genuinely starstruck, but the atmosphere created by director Shawn Levy and the producers was incredibly welcoming. It felt like being adopted into a tight-knit family for the day.

There was a surprising amount of creative freedom. I was encouraged to improvise—the butt grab was actually my own suggestion, and they loved it. However, the physical toll was real. Dancing in a full-body suit and mask severely limits oxygen intake. After a few takes, I’d be gasping for air. At one point, I actually called “cut” myself because I felt like I might faint, which is quite the bold move for a guest performer!

The World Premiere

The night of the premiere was an emotional whirlwind. I was navigating some personal challenges and attended the event alone, feeling quite low. Suddenly, I found myself seated in the same row as Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, and Madonna. I still had no idea my scene was the movie’s opening. When the lights went down and the dance started, the audience erupted. I sat there in total disbelief, watching the rest of the film in a state of shock.

The Academy Awards

Months later, I wanted to keep the momentum going. I pitched an ambitious idea to Shawn Levy: a massive “Dancepool” ensemble for the Oscars, featuring dozens of dancers and a clever reveal for Ryan Reynolds. While my initial pitch was modified, I was invited to perform during Conan O’Brien’s opening monologue.

Rehearsing with legendary choreographer Mandy Moore was a highlight of my career. The performance was a brief 15-second window, but it was flawless. Conan was a fantastic sport about the whole thing. Looking back, the entire experience feels like a modern fairy tale. Seeing the world embrace “Dancepool” and hearing that it inspired people to dance—especially young boys—is the most rewarding part of this journey. It’s a reminder that even superheroes find time to move.

Source: Polygon