Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman-starrer Deadpool & Wolverine’s opening-credit sequence featuring spectacular dance moves by Deadpool has become the talk of the town following the MCU film’s July 26 release. However, it wasn’t Reynolds who pulled off those killer moves to the NSYNC hit Bye Bye Bye.

While audiences have witnessed Deadpool’s dance moves in previous films, it was professional dancer Nick Pauley who stepped in as Reynolds’ dance double for this memorable sequence.

Pauley, who has danced in music videos for stars like Katy Perry and Doja Cat, took to Instagram to share his excitement about the role. “Thank you @vancityreynolds for believing in me to play Dancepool! It is the greatest honor of my life! #deadpoolandwolverine,” he wrote alongside a video of him dancing to Bye Bye Bye in a crop top and denims.

In another post, Pauley expressed his joy for playing Reynolds’ dance double in the movie. “It’s true! I am Dancepool in the new “Deadpool and Wolverine” 🥹 This secret has been so hard to keep! I can’t believe I have the honour of being @vancityreynolds “dance” double for the opening scene of the entire movie!!! Like what?!? What is life,” he wrote along with a photo of himself in the Deadpool suit.

“I went to the premiere on Monday and watching the footage back was pretty surreal. I hadn’t remembered what I freestyled in between the choreography, and it was hilarious to watch it back and be like ‘oh my god now I remember doing that’,” Pauley added.

He also thanked the film’s team for their encouragement and enthusiasm. “When filming, I felt right at home. @vancityreynolds and @slevydirect - thank you for your encouragement and enthusiasm when bringing me onboard. It gave me a lot of purpose… an amount I haven’t felt in a while ❤️ Please go see the movie! It is one of the most well rounded films I’ve ever seen. Incredible job to everyone involved…. You should be very very proud of yourselves,” he signed off.