Ryan Reynolds, the Canadian actor renowned for his portrayal of Deadpool, is no stranger to adding his own humor and wit to his roles. Known for his quick wit and self-aware jokes, Reynolds recently took to Instagram to share a deleted scene from his hit film Deadpool & Wolverine, along with an unexpected tribute to a fellow Canadian act — Nickelback.
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In the post, Reynolds expressed his admiration for the iconic Canadian rock band, who have long been the subject of pop culture ridicule, despite their immense commercial success. The scene shared by Reynolds featured a song by Nickelback, Never Gonna Be Alone, from the band’s 2008 album Dark Horse, and was a humorous addition to the Deadpool universe.
A Glimpse of the Deleted Scene
The deleted scene shared by Reynolds on November 14th shows Deadpool (Reynolds) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) walking across a vast, barren landscape. As Deadpool rambles on, Wolverine pushes him to the ground and delivers one of his signature lines: “F— off.” In typical Deadpool fashion, he responds by switching to an Australian accent and uttering the words “Time Ripper,” referencing the device in the movie used to eliminate timelines.
While the scene is brief, it is quintessential Deadpool — filled with irreverent humor, banter, and a playful jab at the world around him. The highlight of the clip, however, is the inclusion of Nickelback’s Never Gonna Be Alone as the background track. This moment encapsulates the film’s approach to humor — combining absurdity, randomness, and a nod to Reynolds’ Canadian roots.
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In his Instagram caption, Reynolds quipped, “Siri, find deleted, half-baked montage featuring one of the greatest bands on earth and Hugh totally nailing his four words of dialogue. And do it quickly because it’ll probably be taken down for so many reasons.” This playful and irreverent comment was a fitting tribute to both the scene and Nickelback, the band Reynolds has long defended.
Ryan Reynolds’ Affection for Nickelback
This isn’t the first time that Ryan Reynolds has expressed his fondness for Nickelback, the Canadian rock band whose members include Chad Kroeger, Mike Kroeger, Ryan Peake, and Daniel Adair. While Nickelback has been a subject of ridicule in pop culture, largely due to their mainstream success and the internet’s relentless trolling, Reynolds has consistently come to their defense.
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In 2018, Reynolds took a stand for the band in a humorous teaser for Once Upon a Deadpool. In the teaser, Reynolds’s Deadpool character engaged in a comedic back-and-forth with Fred Savage, who poked fun at Nickelback. Deadpool, always quick with a retort, immediately shot back: “I’ve had it with all this Nickelback hating, all right? You think that makes you cool with the cool kids in school, Fred?”
The scene continued with Deadpool rattling off a series of accolades and impressive statistics to counter the criticism of Nickelback. These included: “Fifty million album sales worldwide, 11th best-selling musical act of all time, Billboard’s most successful rock group over the last decade, six Grammy nominations, and 12 Juno Awards.” The humorous defense of the band was a lighthearted jab at the internet’s frequent mockery of Nickelback while also giving the band their due recognition for their monumental success.
Reynolds’s Defeat
Reynolds’ Continuing Tribute to Nickelback
Reynolds’s admiration for Nickelback didn’t stop with the Once Upon a Deadpool teaser. In 2023, the actor took to the stage once again to show his support for the band when Nickelback was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at the Juno Awards, the Canadian equivalent of the Grammys. In a video message, Reynolds jokingly referred to Nickelback’s success in his typically irreverent fashion, saying, “There are millions of reasons to be a proud Canadian, and tonight, the Junos and Canada are coming together to celebrate one of them: homegrown talent from right here in Alberta, Joni Mitchell!” He then added with a smile, “Wait, Nickelback? I love Nickelback! Wasn’t Joni Mitchell in Nickelback?”
This playful joke about one of Canada’s most famous musicians not only showcased Reynolds’s humor but also his deep pride in the country’s musical contributions. By adding his voice to the celebration of Nickelback’s success, Reynolds further solidified his position as a defender and admirer of the band.
Nickelback’s Legacy
Nickelback, despite the ongoing jokes and ridicule surrounding their music, has become one of the most successful rock bands of all time. Known for hits like “How You Remind Me,” “Rockstar,” and “Photograph,” the band has sold over 50 million albums worldwide. They hold the title of the 11th best-selling musical act of all time, which is no small feat in the competitive world of music.
Their impressive career includes 12 Juno Awards (Canada’s version of the Grammys), six Billboard Music Awards, two American Music Awards, and one People’s Choice Award. They have also received six Grammy nominations, solidifying their place in the rock music pantheon.
However, despite their impressive accolades, Nickelback has often been the subject of internet ridicule, with many mocking their mainstream success and formulaic rock sound. This has led to a culture of online jokes that has continued for years, further cementing their reputation as one of the most meme-ified bands in history.
In 2024, the release of the documentary Hate to Love aims to explore this paradox — examining both the widespread ridicule the band has faced and their undeniable commercial success. For many, the film will be a chance to reevaluate their perception of the band and perhaps give them the respect they deserve as one of Canada’s most iconic musical acts.
Deadpool & Wolverine: Streaming Success and Continued Popularity
Amidst this humorous support for Nickelback, Reynolds’s own franchise, Deadpool & Wolverine, continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The movie, which features Reynolds alongside Hugh Jackman in their respective roles as Deadpool and Wolverine, is a critical and commercial success. The film, which debuted in theaters before hitting Disney+ in November 2023, became the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time, further cementing the Deadpool franchise’s place in cinematic history.
Reynolds’s affection for his co-stars, including Jackman, is clear in the playful and humorous tone of the film, which has garnered attention for its wit and irreverence. The movie continues to resonate with fans due to its unique blend of humor, action, and its ability to tackle serious topics while still keeping things lighthearted.
The deleted scene featuring Nickelback’s Never Gonna Be Alone underscores the playful and unexpected nature of Deadpool & Wolverine. The scene, though brief, highlights the fun, off-the-wall humor that has become a trademark of the Deadpool films and further cements Reynolds’s love for his Canadian roots.
Ryan Reynolds’s recent Instagram post, which featured a deleted scene from Deadpool & Wolverine set to the backdrop of Nickelback’s Never Gonna Be Alone, was not just a tribute to the Canadian rock band but also a reminder of the quirky and offbeat humor that defines Reynolds’s career. By sharing this moment with fans, Reynolds continues to demonstrate his pride in his Canadian heritage, his respect for the accomplishments of fellow Canadians like Nickelback, and his ever-present wit.
The deleted scene and Reynolds’s long-standing defense of Nickelback serve as a testament to his ability to blend humor with genuine admiration. As Deadpool continues to be a beloved franchise, the bond between Reynolds and his Canadian roots — including his support for Nickelback — only makes his portrayal of the irreverent anti-hero even more endearing.
For fans of both Deadpool and Nickelback, it’s clear that Reynolds’s affection for the band is far more than a passing joke. It’s a celebration of Canadian talent, humor, and the ongoing legacy of both Reynolds and Nickelback in the entertainment world.
