Justin Baldoni’s lawyer claims Ryan Reynolds mocked actor with Nicepool in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’

Justin Baldoni’s lawyer accuses Ryan Reynolds of referencing actor’s persona through controversial Nicepool character.

Justin Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, has accused Ryan Reynolds of creating a character in Deadpool & Wolverine that mocks the actor amid ongoing legal disputes. The character "Nicepool," portrayed by Reynolds, has drawn speculation for allegedly resembling Baldoni’s public persona, particularly his perceived “pseudo-nice guy” image.

Was Ryan Reynolds taking a shot at Justin Baldoni with his "Nicepool" character in new "Deadpool" movie?

Baldoni's attorney Bryan Freedman: "There's no question it relates to Justin...If someone is seriously sexually harassed you don't make fun of it, it's a serious issue."… pic.twitter.com/vuDgShvK84

— The Megyn Kelly Show (@MegynKellyShow) January 8, 2025

Freedman addressed the issue on The Megyn Kelly Show, stating, “There’s no question it relates to Justin. If someone is seriously sexually harassed, you don’t make fun of it. It’s a serious issue.” This claim comes in the wake of behind-the-scenes tensions during the production of It Ends With Us, where Baldoni co-starred and directed alongside Blake Lively.

Deadpool & Wolverine, which began production in spring 2023, features Reynolds playing an alternate version of his titular character named Nicepool. The character’s over-the-top “toxic positivity” and comments about women struck a nerve with audiences. A scene where Nicepool makes inappropriate remarks about “Ladypool,” a character reportedly inspired by Lively, has added to the controversy.

The legal tensions between Baldoni and Lively escalated in December 2024, when Lively filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation. Baldoni countersued, alleging misrepresentation of private communications and defamation. This led to Baldoni’s dismissal by WME, which also represents Lively and Reynolds. The fallout saw several A-list celebrities publicly supporting Lively, including It Ends With Us author Colleen Hoover.

The overlap between the films’ production timelines and the lawsuits has fueled speculation that Reynolds’ portrayal of Nicepool was a deliberate jab at Baldoni. Despite the controversies, both Deadpool & Wolverine and It Ends With Us performed well at the box office, further amplifying public interest in the disputes.