The Nicepool character in Deadpool & Wolverine has sparked major controversy after being dragged into a $400 million lawsuit filed by Justin Baldoni against Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively.

Baldoni’s legal team claims the character was created to mock him, and now Marvel and Disney are being pulled into the fray.

Why Is Nicepool a Big Deal?

Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, alleges that Nicepool—a younger, more muscular, maskless version of Deadpool—was a direct dig at Baldoni during his feud with Lively on the set of It Ends With Us. The timing of the character’s scenes, shot in late 2023 after the SAG-AFTRA strike, coincides with escalating tensions between Lively and Baldoni. Freedman suggests that Nicepool’s appearance and dialogue were deliberate jabs at Baldoni.

What’s in the Complaint?

• Freedman argues that Nicepool’s hairstyle—a man-bun—mirrors Justin Baldoni’s signature look before he cut it off in 2023.
• Dialogue from Nicepool reportedly references allegations against Baldoni, including a deleted scene where Nicepool quips about starting a podcast monetizing feminism. Baldoni previously co-hosted the Man Enough podcast.
• Another line referencing Ladypool’s postpartum appearance is believed to mirror alleged fat-shaming comments Baldoni directed at Lively.

According to Freedman, if the harassment allegations against Baldoni were genuine, they wouldn’t have been turned into a punchline. Instead, they argue the feud itself was exploited for satire.

What Does the Deadpool Team Say?

Neither Ryan Reynolds nor director Shawn Levy has addressed the claims publicly. Marvel Studios and Disney have received legal notices from Justin Baldoni’s legal team to preserve all materials related to Nicepool’s creation. The script reportedly described Nicepool as “a younger, more muscular Ryan Reynolds,” without specifics on the hairstyle or satirical references.

The Bigger Picture

Whether Nicepool was intended as satire or not, this lawsuit brings Hollywood feuds into the spotlight. Baldoni and Lively’s disputes reportedly escalated on the set of It Ends With Us, with Reynolds stepping in to confront Baldoni about his alleged behavior. Nicepool’s creation during this timeline raises questions about intent, which will likely be scrutinized in court.

What’s Next?

This legal battle is far from over. If Justin Baldoni’s legal team finds evidence connecting Nicepool directly to their claims, it could have serious repercussions for Reynolds, Lively, and even Marvel Studios. For now, fans can stream Deadpool & Wolverine on Disney+ while watching this off-screen drama unfold.