How Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman Persuaded Madonna to License. A Rare Permission: The Journey to Licensing an Iconic Song. In a recent interview on SiriusXM with Andy Cohen, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman shared their extraordinary efforts to secure Madonna’s permission to use her 1989 hit “Like A Prayer” in their upcoming film, Deadpool & Wolverine. Alongside director Shawn Levy, the actors detailed the meticulous process they undertook to earn the Queen of Pop’s approval.
A Personal Appeal to the Queen of Pop
Reynolds and Jackman, known for their dedication to their craft, were determined to include “Like A Prayer” in a pivotal scene of the film. They knew it wouldn’t be easy, as Madonna rarely licenses this particular song. The trio decided to meet Madonna in person to present their case. Levy explained that they had to show her the exact sequence where the song would be used, emphasizing its significance to the storyline.
The Weight of the Request: Reynolds highlighted the gravity of their request, noting that Madonna doesn’t typically grant licenses for “Like A Prayer.” He said, “It was a big deal to ask for it and certainly a bigger deal to use it. We met with her and sort of showed her how it was being used, where, and why.” The meeting felt like an audience with royalty, with Reynolds even jokingly asking Madonna’s team how he should address her.
Madonna’s Valuable Input
The effort paid off. Not only did Madonna grant them the license, but she also provided valuable feedback on the scene. Reynolds recalled, “She gave a great note. She watched it, and I’m not kidding, [she said], ‘You need to do this.’ And damn it, if she wasn’t spot on.” Within 48 hours, the team incorporated her suggestions, significantly enhancing the sequence.
Beyond the Song: Additional Advice: Madonna’s involvement didn’t stop there. She offered additional advice on other scenes, which the directors quickly implemented, resulting in a more polished final product. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Reynolds and Jackman, as it is their first major project together since X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2008).