Ryan Reynolds Developing Boy Band Film, Hugh Jackman in Talks to Join

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, the beloved Deadpool & Wolverine duo, could be teaming up once again – this time for a film about ageing pop stars.

Reynolds revealed details about his next project, Boy Band, in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, describing it as a story centred on former boy band members navigating life past their prime. While the film is still in development, Jackman’s representative confirmed to Entertainment Weekly that discussions are underway for the Logan star to join Reynolds on the project.

Reynolds is set to write, star in, and produce the film alongside Deadpool & Wolverine director Shawn Levy under Paramount Pictures. He expressed a desire to keep the production’s budget modest, avoiding hefty star salaries. “Shawn, Hugh, and I are open to creative ways to make this movie at an absolute bargain,” Reynolds said.

Discussing his inspiration for the project, Reynolds reflected on the struggles faced by pop stars who rose to fame at a young age. “A lot of boy band members experienced levels of fame that would be very difficult for anyone to navigate, let alone an adolescent,” Reynolds explained. “They’re forever associated with that period of their lives, which creates a kind of arrested cultural development.”

At its core, Reynolds envisions Boy Band as a story of redemption for characters in their 40s and 50s. “This would be about people trying to get their lives back,” he said. “There’s something beautiful about that. The north star for me as a producer is joy. Cynicism doesn’t have a great shelf life, but joy does.”

Reynolds is currently working on a second draft of the screenplay, building on an earlier version written by Jesse Andrews, best known for Me and Earl and the Dying Girl.

The actor’s partnership with Jackman has long been a fan-favourite. The two first appeared together in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine, before their highly anticipated full collaboration in Deadpool & Wolverine. Their friendship, both on-screen and off, has sparked frequent speculation about future projects. Reynolds previously hinted at their reunion this summer, sharing his admiration for Jackman: “I’m always rooting for Hugh. He’s someone who’s impossible not to root for.”

While Reynolds has limited experience in musicals—aside from singing alongside Will Ferrell in Spirited—Jackman is a natural fit for the music-themed film. The Greatest Showman star boasts an extensive musical résumé, spanning Broadway hits like The Music Man and film roles in Les Misérables and Happy Feet.

Reynolds’ creative partnership with Levy has also proven successful with films such as Free Guy and The Adam Project. Jackman, too, has worked with Levy, starring in Real Steel and making cameo appearances in Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.

While details of Boy Band remain under wraps, Reynolds’ vision of a heartfelt story about second chances – and Jackman’s potential involvement – has already struck a chord with fans.