“And you’re in the presence of icons and even as their good buddy, that gave me a thrill many a day,” he continued, adding of the trio’s friendship, “Hugh, Ryan and I are very good friends in real life. We spend a lot of time together in real life.”

Shawn Levy at the 76th annual DGA Awards in Beverly Hills.

Hugh Jackman Suits Up as Wolverine to Fight Ryan Reynolds on the Set of Deadpool 3

Reynolds, 47, and Jackman, 55, return as superheroes Deadpool and Wolverine respectively in the third Deadpool movie, which is released in theaters on July 26, 2024.

The movie marks the series’ first entry within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, following Disney’s purchase of the rights of the characters from 20th Century Fox.

Levy, who previously directed PG films Big Fat Liar and Cheaper by the Dozen, added that it was a “fun” experience putting together an R-rated project like Deadpool & Wolverine.

“It has corrupted my soul in ways that might be irrevocable,” he joked. “I often joke to Ryan that I was a nice Canadian boy who didn’t work blue … now I’m riffing R-rated content alongside the best in the business. So it’s a fun one for sure.”

During Super Bowl Sunday, the teaser trailer for Deadpool & Wolverine was released, promising an entertaining and action-packed ride with Reynolds and Jackman as they step back into their iconic superhero characters.

“Welcome to the mercury in retrograde of Marvel Phases. #DeadpoolWolverine,” Reynolds wrote on Instagram as he posted the trailer.

Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds filming ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ in England last month.

The Welcome to Wrexham star previously marked the end of filming for the sequel on Jan. 24 in an Instagram post, writing, “The suit hides blood. Also sweat… But today, with Deadpool wrapping, it’s mostly tears. A giant and forever thanks to the cast and crew of our film who battled wind, rain, strikes and @thehughjackman… all under the stalwart leadership of @slevydirect.”

“I got to make a movie with my closest pals and that doesn’t happen very often,” he added.