Meet Nick Pauley, The Queer Performer Behind Deadpool’s Viral NSYNC Moves
Spoiler Alert: This article contains details about the opening scene of Deadpool & Wolverine.
Deadpool & Wolverine has sliced its way to box office glory. The R-rated superhero flick, starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, scored the eighth-biggest domestic opening ever. But there’s one scene-stealing cameo you might have missed, as reported by Queerty.
Deadpool’s Got Moves… But They’re Not Reynolds’
The opening credits feature a fight scene where Deadpool battles Time Variance Authority goons to NSYNC’s Bye Bye Bye. As he wields Wolverine’s bones, Deadpool busts out the song’s iconic choreography. Impressive moves, but it’s not actually Reynolds.
Enter Nick Pauley, aka “Dancepool.” The queer dancer-choreographer revealed he was the man behind the mask, nailing NSYNC’s unforgettable steps.
From Katy Perry to Meryl Streep
Pauley’s fancy footwork has graced music videos for Doja Cat and Katy Perry. He even danced with Meryl in The Prom. Most recently, he performed in Sam Smith and Kim Petras’ controversial Grammys number.
“Thank you for your encouragement and enthusiasm when bringing me on board,” Pauley wrote to Reynolds and director Shawn Levy. “It gave me a lot of purpose.”
Reclaiming Hell
When conservatives slammed Smith and Petras’ “Satanic” Grammys performance, Pauley clapped back. He defended the demonic imagery as queer people reclaiming the “go to hell” insults thrown at them.
Off-stage, Pauley keeps fans fed with dance videos and thirst traps on social media. But his Dancepool moment is already iconic. As Reynolds said, “If it looks like the person who’s dancing doesn’t have arthritis, that’s him.”
