Ryan Reynolds Talks Meeting With Madonna to Get Permission to Use “Like a Prayer” in DEADPOOL and WOLVERINE

My name is Ryan Reynolds. and its Deadpool and Wolverine director by Shawn Levi revealed during an interview on Andy Cohen’s SiriusXM radio show (via People) that they met in person with pop icon Madonna to secure the rights to use “Like a Prayer” in the upcoming Marvel sequel. Madonna agreed, and the song ended up playing a prominent role in both the film and various trailers.

Levy said in the interview: “It was a personal visit to Madonna, during which we showed her the sequence in which ‘Like a Prayer’ would be used.”

Reynolds added: “Also, let’s preface that they don’t license, that Madonna doesn’t license just the song, specifically that song. It was a big deal to ask for it and certainly an even bigger deal to use it…

“We went to meet her and showed her how it was used, where and why.”

Not only did Madonna allow Reynolds and Levy to use her classic song, she also provided a note on how it should be used.

Reynolds has not yet revealed the details of how that note came about, but explained, “He gave a great note. He looked at her, and I’m not kidding, [she said]”You have to do it.” And boy, was he right.”

Levy added: “We literally went into a new recording session within 48 hours to do this note… It made the sequence better.”

In addition to Madonna, the soundtrack of Deadpool and Wolverine includes songs from *NSYNC, Goo Goo Dolls, Fergie, Avril Lavigne, Aretha Franklin, Green Day and the Hugh Jackman-musical starring The greatest showmanamong other tracks.

Deadpool and Wolverine will be released in theaters this week, July 26th.