Ryan Reynolds shares 'secret' of friendship with Hugh Jackman, likens bond to marriage with Blake Lively

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds have been friends for nearly two decades, with their bond extending well beyond acting together in films and engaging in playful online skirmishes.

In the latest edition of People, available on newsstands May 31, 'Deadpool' and 'Wolverine' co-stars Ryan Reynolds, 47, and Hugh Jackman, 55, discussed how their 17-year friendship is akin to a marriage.

Reynolds married Blake Lively in 2012, while Jackman recently called the quits on his 27-year marriage to Deborra-Lee Furness.

Ryan Reynolds reveals 'secret sauce' to friendship with Hugh Jackman

Famous for their playful social media feuds and poised to dominate the summer film scene with their lively, R-rated 'Deadpool & Wolverine,' the two Hollywood stars enjoy a close friendship off-screen.

Comparing their 17-year friendship to a marriage, Reynolds said, "I think the secret sauce to a long-lasting Hollywood friendship is not too dissimilar to having a partner or a marriage."

Then he talked about his marriage with actress Blake Lively, with whom he has four kids.

"I am genuinely rooting for you, all the time. I want you to win. It’s the same way I feel about Blake. As I'm rooting for her, I know she's rooting for me, and it's why we're so connected," he said about Jackman.

The 'Free Guy' actor went on to describe how his initial encounter with Jackman quickly alleviated his concerns about working with the popular actor on the 2009 movie 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine.'

Reynolds recalled walking on the set for the first time, saying, "I was blown away.  And I was nervous as hell. I was walking through the trailers, jet-lagged, disoriented, feeling really green and kind of out of my depth, and there was no script to look at."

"And I heard my name, ‘Ryan!’ in between these trailers as I was walking. And it was you. Just the fact that you knew my name meant so much to me. And you came over, you gave me a big hug and you said, ‘Welcome aboard,'" he said about Jackman.

Hugh Jackman revealed he considers Ryan Reynolds as one of his closest pals

Eventually, Jackman revealed that he considered Reynolds one of his best friends and talked about how, over time, their mutual trust had grown into a deep commitment.

He said, "There's probably fewer friends in our life that you can say anything to, the stuff you're ashamed, embarrassed, anything."

Jackman continued, "And ever since I've known you, and I would say in particular in like the last five, 10 years, we've had more time where we go for our walks because you're an unbelievable listener."

"You can tell me anything and I can tell you anything, and I don't feel like you're going to be judging or necessarily giving me the answer," he said of Reynolds.

Reynolds and Jackman will be returning to their respective roles in 'Deadpool & Wolverine,' as Wade Wilson and James "Logan" Howlett, per Daily Mail.

Fans gush over Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman's friendship

Social media users expressed their joy over the two actors' bonding as one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "Wow this is genuine friendship and brotherhood at its finest! Nice one, People Magazine!"

A user remarked, "Get yourself a friendship like this two have. Truly gold!" [sic]

"This was such a wholesome exchange between two genuine friends," chimed in another one.

A user exclaimed, "That was cool... It's tough to trust people. it's always nice knowing someone has your back. DP&W will be amazing, I know it! Feels great watching sincerity and trust..."

Another online user commented on a Facebook post by saying, "What an amazing and revealing conversation between two very special men. This conversation made me cry. It's really difficult to be vulnerable in today's society."

"The real secret sauce is to make fun of each other and themselves as often as possible. It never gets old and we all know it comes from a good place," chimed in another.

Another said, "My favorite bromance. My family and I love ya both. Thank you for not only bringing us great entertainment over the years, but for being good humans. I wish you two and your families the best." [sic]

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