Bye Bye Bye: The Making of Deadpool & Wolverine’s Iconic Dance Number
The opening sequence of Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) instantly became one of the most memorable and viral moments in recent superhero cinema. As the film begins, Wade Wilson/Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) digs up Wolverine’s grave from the events of Logan (2017), breaking the fourth wall to reassure fans about honoring Logan’s legacy. When agents from the Time Variance Authority (TVA) arrive, Deadpool unleashes chaos, wielding Wolverine’s adamantium skeleton as weapons—ribs as throwing stars, skull and spine as a mace, and leg bones as nunchucks—all while joyfully performing an energetic dance to *NSYNC’s 2000 hit “Bye Bye Bye.” The scene masterfully blends gore, action, and nostalgia, recreating the song’s famous choreography in a hilariously over-the-top fight set against a snowy landscape.
The song choice was a deliberate callback to early 2000s pop culture, perfectly capturing Deadpool’s irreverent, millennial humor. “Bye Bye Bye,” originally from NSYNC’s No Strings Attached album, had its iconic dance routine created by choreographer Darrin Henson, who won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography in 2000. Henson’s moves—known for their sharp, synchronized energy and unique elements like the “black power fist” during the chorus—were faithfully adapted for the film, with added flair to suit Deadpool’s chaotic personality.
While many fans initially assumed Ryan Reynolds performed the precise, high-energy dancing himself, the actor clarified during press conferences that the standout moves were executed by professional dancer and choreographer Nick Pauley, credited in the film as “Dancepool.” Reynolds humorously noted that if the dancing appeared arthritis-free, it was thanks to Pauley. The performer was brought on board after a rapid audition process: in February 2024, Pauley’s agent contacted him with urgent instructions to learn and record the “Bye Bye Bye” routine, describing the project only as “something huge.” Pauley submitted a video, landed the role, and filmed the sequence in a full Deadpool suit against a blue screen backdrop, facing the challenges of restricted movement while delivering flawless execution.
Pauley has since described the opportunity as “the greatest honor of my life,” sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of his preparation and expressing gratitude to Reynolds for the trust and support. He emphasized that the core choreography belonged to Darrin Henson, reaching out to the original creator to give proper credit amid the viral attention.
The impact of the sequence extended far beyond the theater. “Bye Bye Bye” surged back onto streaming charts, eventually reaching one billion streams on Spotify by early 2025. It sparked countless fan recreations, TikTok challenges, and a cultural revival of the early 2000s boy band era. Reports even indicated that a full, unedited version of the dance—covering the entire song—was filmed, fueling fan hopes for its release as bonus content on home video editions.
The scene’s legacy continued into awards season, with Pauley (as Dancepool) making a surprise appearance at the 2025 Oscars, performing elements of the routine alongside host Conan O’Brien. The moment underscored how a simple yet brilliantly executed dance number could redefine a film’s tone and leave a lasting mark on pop culture.
In the end, the “Bye Bye Bye” opener perfectly encapsulated Deadpool & Wolverine‘s wild, self-aware spirit—proving that sometimes, the best way to kick off a multiverse adventure is with a little nostalgia, a lot of violence, and impeccable choreography.
About The Author
