LOS ANGELES, Jan 20: Hollywood sources say Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds’ once-close friendship may be under strain, with Jackman reportedly stepping back amid ongoing legal drama involving Reynolds and his wife, Blake Lively.

“Hugh’s been unusually quiet around Ryan lately; people are whispering he’s stepping back for his own sanity,” a source told celebrity journalist Rob Shuter for the Sunday, January 18, installment of his Naughty But Nice Substack, adding that the Deadpool and Wolverine co-stars’ bromance is not what it used to be.

One source noted that the signs were “subtle at first,” with minor blips such as missed texts, but lately, “those close to them can feel the tension.”

The strain reportedly stems from Reynolds and Lively’s ongoing legal issues with actor-director Justin Baldoni, following drama on the set of the 2024 film It Ends with Us. “Hugh doesn’t want to be caught in the middle,” a source said. “He’s loyal, but even he has limits when it comes to messy legal battles.”

Sources claim Jackman, 57, “hasn’t been returning [Ryan’s] calls” despite Reynolds, 49, “texting, calling, even trying to set plans.” An insider also pointed out that they were all scheduled to see Jackman’s girlfriend, Sutton Foster, perform in a recent concert, but Jackman went alone.

According to a source, Reynolds is “visibly frustrated” behind the scenes. “Hugh’s giving him the cold shoulder,” the insider said.

The situation reportedly mirrors previous tensions between Lively, 38, and former best friend Taylor Swift, 36, after Swift was served a subpoena related to the same legal dispute. “Blake has stopped trying to reach out,” a source said in June, “She’s heartbroken, but she knows it’s time to let go. Taylor’s not coming back.”

For years, Jackman and Reynolds were seen as a model Hollywood friendship, celebrated for playful banter and public support. However, sources say the duo’s dynamic has recently cooled. “It’s subtle at first,” one insider said, noting the change has been gradual, marked by unanswered texts and missed plans.

Another source said Reynolds has been making the effort to maintain contact, “calling, texting, and trying to arrange time together, only to receive little response.”

Insiders cited a planned outing to see Foster’s cabaret performance as an example. While the group was expected to attend together, Jackman ultimately went alone, sparking speculation of tension.

Sources close to Jackman say the distance is intentional rather than personal. He is “stepping back for his own sanity,” particularly as Reynolds and Lively continue to face public scrutiny tied to the ongoing legal matter. “He’s loyal,” a source said, “but even he has limits when it comes to messy legal battles.”

Despite the reported strain, Reynolds reportedly maintains his humorous public persona, even as he struggles privately with the shift in his friendship with Jackman.