The Marvel fandom is buzzing with speculation about Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool & Wolverine. Fans believe the movie contains references to actor-director Justin Baldoni. These alleged digs add fuel to the ongoing tension between Baldoni and Blake Lively.

Nicepool’s Connection to Justin Baldoni

One scene in the movie caught the attention of fans. Reynolds plays Nicepool, a variant of Deadpool with exaggerated politeness. Nicepool introduces Ladypool (voiced by Lively) and says, “Oh my goodness, wait til you’ve seen Ladypool. She is gorgeous. She just had a baby too and [you] can’t even tell.” Deadpool responds, “I don’t think you’re supposed to say that.” Nicepool then replies, “That’s OK. I identify as a feminist.”

Fans have linked this character to Baldoni, who is known for advocating “undefining masculinity.” A deleted scene adds to the theory. Nicepool says, “I’d be fighting alongside you, but my calling is to one day start a podcast that monetizes the women’s movement.”

Behind-the-Scenes Tensions

Reports suggest tensions between Baldoni and Lively during It Ends With Us. Allegations against Baldoni include harsh criticism of Lively’s post-pregnancy body. He reportedly demanded she lose weight within weeks after childbirth. Baldoni has denied all allegations.

Adding to the drama, Baldoni filed a lawsuit against Reynolds. The lawsuit claims Reynolds berated him during a production meeting, calling the encounter “traumatic.”

Fan Interpretations

Fans dissected Nicepool’s portrayal and found parallels with Baldoni. TikTok user @americastia noted, “It’s not even subtle.” Fans also highlighted Deadpool & Wolverine’s release weeks before It Ends With Us, adding context to the perceived shade.

A Complicated Fallout

The fallout between Reynolds, Lively, and Baldoni highlights personal and professional tensions. Fans remain divided over whether the references were intentional or coincidental. The drama surrounding these stars shows no signs of fading soon.

Cameron Norrie Escapes Disqualification After Racket Incident at Auckland Classic

British tennis star Cameron Norrie found himself in a controversial moment during his straight-sets defeat to Argentina’s Facundo Diaz Acosta at the Auckland Classic. The 29-year-old accidentally hit a spectator with his racket, which he threw in frustration towards the end of the second set.

Trailing 6-2, 5-3, Norrie’s frustration boiled over after netting a forehand return that handed his opponent match point. In a moment of anger, he hurled his racket, which inadvertently landed in the stands and struck a fan. Fortunately, the spectator was unharmed, and Norrie was only issued a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct, avoiding disqualification.

Norrie’s Apology

Speaking after the match, Norrie expressed regret for his actions:
“I wasn’t meaning to do that, but it’s still not ideal. I’ve never done something like that before. She [the spectator] was laughing, and I just said, ‘so sorry, I didn’t mean to do that.’ She said she was completely OK.”

Norrie acknowledged how easily the situation could have escalated, referencing high-profile disqualifications in tennis history, such as Novak Djokovic’s default at the 2020 US Open for hitting a line judge and David Nalbandian’s disqualification at the 2012 Queen’s final for injuring an official.
“As we’ve seen with other players, you can be defaulted if it catches someone in the wrong spot or they’re not looking,” he added.

Looking Ahead

Despite the incident, Norrie has had a promising start to 2025, reaching the quarter-finals of the Hong Kong Open before narrowly losing to Kei Nishikori in three sets. He will next compete at the Australian Open, aiming to surpass his fourth-round finish from last year.

Lessons Learned

Norrie’s quick apology and acknowledgment of his mistake demonstrate his commitment to sportsmanship. The incident serves as a reminder of the fine line players must walk when emotions run high in competitive sports.

Fans will be eager to see how Norrie performs at the Australian Open, as he looks to put this controversy behind him and focus on the season ahead.

Neymar Expresses Desire for Reunion with Messi and Suarez

Brazilian superstar Neymar recently shared his excitement at the possibility of reuniting with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. The trio, famously known as “MSN,” created one of football’s most iconic attacking units during their time at FC Barcelona. Together, they won the treble in the 2014-15 season, cementing their legacy in football history.

Speaking to CNN Sport, Neymar said,
“Playing again with Messi and Suarez would be incredible. They are my friends, and we still speak to each other. Reviving this trio would be interesting. I’m happy at Al-Hilal, but who knows? Football is full of surprises.”

From Barcelona to Separate Paths

After leaving Barcelona for a record-breaking €222 million move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, Neymar played alongside Messi again during their time at PSG. However, their paths diverged in 2023, with Messi joining Inter Miami in MLS and Neymar opting for the Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal. Suarez also joined Messi at Inter Miami, creating a mini-Barcelona reunion alongside Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.

Neymar reflected on his decision to join Al-Hilal:
“When the news came out that I was leaving PSG, the transfer window in the United States was closed, so I didn’t have this option. The project in Saudi Arabia was good for me and my family, so it was the best choice at the time.”

Injuries and Al-Hilal’s Future

Since joining Al-Hilal for a reported €90 million in 2023, Neymar has been plagued by injuries, limiting him to just seven appearances. Speculation is rife that his contract, which ends in June, might not be extended.

Despite these challenges, Neymar remains optimistic about the future, emphasizing his strong bond with Messi and Suarez:
“We share a great friendship and camaraderie. It would be amazing to play together again.”

The Legendary MSN

The MSN trio scored an astounding 364 goals together during their three seasons at Barcelona. Their chemistry on the pitch was unmatched, making them one of the most formidable attacking units in football.

Fans worldwide will undoubtedly keep an eye on the possibility of these football legends reuniting, as Neymar’s comments spark hope for another chapter of their remarkable partnership.