The Deadpool star humorously comments on Taylor Swift’s expensive babysitting fees during an interview with Hugh Jackman

Ryan Reynolds, Canadian-American actor and film producer recently joked about Taylor Swift’s “cost-prohibitive” babysitting rates for his four children with wife Blake Lively. During a joint interview with Hugh Jackman for E! News, the 47-year-old Deadpool and Wolverine actor humorously revealed the hefty fee associated with the billionaire singer-songwriter’s babysitting services. As Jackman mentioned Swift being his family’s nanny, Reynolds quipped, “The cost of that is… I believe the accountant said, ‘Cost-prohibitive,’ but I think what he meant was, ‘Cost-insane-what-are-you-doing-I’m-no-longer-your-accountant.’”

Reynolds and Lively have maintained a close friendship with Swift for nearly a decade. The couple, who married in 2012, was recently spotted at Swift’s Eras Tour stop in Madrid, Spain, in May. The Green Lantern star and the Gossip Girl alum, 36, were seen singing along and taking selfies with their daughters—James, nine, Inez, seven, and Betty, four—in a TikTok video.

In the video, Lively held Betty in her arms while James and Inez stood in front of their dad. Swift, on stage, performed the track “Betty” from her 2020 album Folklore, which famously uses the names of all three of Reynolds and Lively’s daughters. As Swift sang, “You heard the rumours from Inez,” Lively smiled and pointed to her daughter Inez, who beamed at the mention of her name. James enthusiastically grabbed Betty’s arms and bounced them up and down, while Reynolds stood behind them, quietly mouthing the lyrics.

Earlier that week, Lively took her daughters to Swift’s first Madrid concert. Swift gave another special shoutout to the girls, saying, “I have to say that on Folklore, some of my favourite characters are named James, Inez, and Betty,” in a viral TikTok video.

Swift has previously featured Reynolds and Lively’s daughters in her music. On her 2017 album Reputation, James’s voice can be heard saying “gorgeous” at the beginning of the song “Gorgeous.” When Swift decided to name-drop their children in “Betty,” the couple had yet to reveal their youngest daughter’s name publicly. However, they were not bothered by it. During a 2021 SiriusXM Town Hall event with Jess Cagle, Reynolds explained that they were flattered by Swift’s decision. “The names are the names of our kids, but we trust her implicitly and she’s very sensitive to any of that stuff. The song has nothing to do with our kids other than their names. We thought it was pretty damn amazing. We still do. I still walk down the street and shake my head thinking: ‘I can’t believe that happened.’”

Reynolds and Lively welcomed their fourth child in February 2023, though they have not yet revealed the name. This light-hearted exchange about Swift’s babysitting rates further highlights the close bond between the two families and adds another amusing anecdote to their friendship.

Analysis:

Political: The playful banter between Ryan Reynolds and Taylor Swift adds a light-hearted touch to the public personas of both celebrities. By engaging in such humorous exchanges, Reynolds and Swift help humanize themselves, making them more relatable to the public. This can have a subtle influence on their fans’ perceptions of other societal issues they might advocate for, such as Swift’s vocal stance on political matters and Reynolds’ involvement in various charitable causes. The ability to mix humour with public engagements allows them to reach a wider audience and potentially sway public opinion on more serious topics they support.

Social: The interaction between Reynolds, Lively, and Swift underscores the value of friendships and community within high-profile circles. Their close bond, demonstrated through shared family moments and public acknowledgements, highlights the importance of supportive relationships. This narrative resonates with the public, emphasizing that even celebrities prioritize personal connections and family. Additionally, Swift’s inclusion of Reynolds and Lively’s children in her music portrays a sense of trust and mutual respect, reflecting societal values of loyalty and camaraderie.

Racial: While the primary focus of the story is on the humorous aspect of babysitting costs, it subtly touches on broader themes of representation and inclusivity. The visibility of a diverse range of celebrities and their families in mainstream media contributes to a more inclusive societal narrative. Swift’s music, which features real-life references to her friends’ children, including those from different backgrounds, promotes a message of inclusivity and acceptance.

Gender: The story highlights the evolving roles of men and women in both family and public life. Reynolds’ involvement in the discussion about childcare and his visible presence at family events challenge traditional gender norms. Similarly, Blake Lively’s active participation in her children’s lives while maintaining her career sets a positive example for modern parenting roles. Taylor Swift’s influence extends beyond her music, as her actions demonstrate how women can support and uplift each other in both personal and professional spheres.

Economical: The playful mention of Swift’s “cost-prohibitive” babysitting rates also reflects the economic dynamics of celebrity lifestyles. The humour in Reynolds’ comment draws attention to the financial aspects of maintaining a high-profile life while balancing family responsibilities. This aspect can be relatable to a broader audience who might face similar, albeit less extreme, financial considerations in their daily lives. Moreover, the significant media attention surrounding their interactions generates substantial economic benefits for entertainment outlets, driving viewership and readership, which in turn supports the industry.