Hugh Jackman drew laughs at the 2025 Gotham Awards with a playful remark aimed at his long-time on-screen rival, Ryan Reynolds, injecting fresh energy into the well-loved Ryan Reynolds Hugh Jackman rivalry. The two actors, both known for their work in Marvel films and for their constant banter, lit up the audience with the latest installment of their ongoing friendly feud.
Jackman’s Playful Comment at the Gotham Awards
During the 2025 Gotham Awards, Hugh Jackman was honored with the first Gotham Musical Tribute for his upcoming film Song Sung Blue, sharing the stage with his co-star Kate Hudson. As Jackman prepared to give his acceptance speech, he seized the moment to make a cheeky comment centered on Ryan Reynolds, his Deadpool & Wolverine colleague and friendly antagonist.
“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
This latest quip continues a well-documented tradition of banter between Jackman and Reynolds. Their playful mock-feud kicked off in 2009 while working together on X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and the pair has delighted fans ever since with their sharp wit and humor.
Origins of Their Good-Natured Feud
Hugh Jackman and Scarlett Johansson have enjoyed a close friendship for many years. While Reynolds was married to Johansson during the filming of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Jackman admitted that he enjoyed ribbing Reynolds on set.
“I used to ream him because I was very close friends with Scarlett,”
– 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
According to Jackman, the teasing began in the early days of their collaboration and only escalated, especially as Reynolds’ Deadpool character gained prominence and the jabs extended onto social media platforms.
“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
Taking Their Rivalry Beyond the Screen
Over time, Jackman and Reynolds have entertained audiences with their amusing challenges and barbed jokes online and during interviews. Their rivalry is entirely in good fun, with both actors acknowledging the positive attention it brings. In a memorable moment in 2019, the pair declared a brief truce, agreeing to promote each other’s businesses in dedicated advertisements.
Recently, their relationship expanded into business, with both stars revealed as co-owners of the Australian SailGP team, known as the Bonds Flying Roos. The partnership was announced last month through a video, further cementing their collaborative ventures beyond the Marvel universe. Key figures such as Scarlett Johansson and Kate Hudson are also part of this vibrant circle linked by comic banter and Hollywood projects.
The Enduring Appeal of Their Ongoing Banter
The lively rivalry between Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds continues to captivate audiences at events like the Gotham Awards, drawing attention to both their individual projects and their joint history of memorable moments. As their careers evolve, fans and fellow actors alike anticipate more hilarious exchanges and potential collaborations, with their unique friendship at the center of Hollywood’s most charming feuds.
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
