Sutton Foster Reportedly Urges Hugh Jackman to Distance Himself From Ryan Reynolds

Sutton Foster has reportedly asked Hugh Jackman to step back from his long-standing friendship with Ryan Reynolds, according to unnamed sources cited by Woman’s Day. The reported request is tied to the ongoing fallout from Blake Lively’s legal battle with Justin Baldoni and what sources describe as a lack of personal connection between Foster and Lively.

The report, published in mid-September 2026, claims Foster has been pressing Jackman to reconsider the friendship because of Reynolds’ association with the legal drama involving his wife. Neither Jackman nor Foster has publicly commented on the claims, and the reports remain unverified.

Reported Ultimatum and Jackman’s Response

A source described as close to the couple told Woman’s Day that Foster and Lively ‘don’t get on’ and that Lively’s legal issues have affected Reynolds’ career. The source added that Jackman is not receptive to the request.

‘Hugh’s not having any of it, of course,’ the insider said. ‘He’s always been a loyal friend and has seen so many of his close mates go through hell – and he’s always stood by them. Ryan’s one of them.’

The source also said Jackman is aware Reynolds is struggling and wants to support him. ‘He knows Ryan’s not doing so well and wants to help him get through this, no matter who it upsets,’ the insider said.

Representatives for Jackman, Foster, Reynolds and Lively have not issued public statements addressing the report.

Background on Foster and Lively

Reports of tension between Foster and Lively are not new. In September 2025, sources told the Daily Mail that the two women had ‘never had a meaningful friendship’ despite their partners’ close bond.

A source told Woman’s Day that Foster and Lively have not been able to forge a connection even when spending time together. ‘When it comes to Blake’s one-on-one with Sutton, they’ve never had a deep and meaningful friendship,’ the source said.

Lively and Reynolds have been married since 2012. Jackman and Reynolds have been friends for nearly two decades after meeting on the set of X-Men Origins: Wolverine in 2007.

Legal Battle Settled in May

The legal dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni was settled in May 2026, weeks before a scheduled civil trial. The case stemmed from the production of the 2024 film It Ends With Us. A joint statement provided to Agence France-Presse said the parties had resolved the matter without disclosing a settlement figure.

Following the settlement, reports continued to circulate about the impact of the dispute on Reynolds’ professional relationships. In January 2026, sources told celebrity journalist Rob Shuter that Jackman had been ‘unusually quiet’ around Reynolds and was stepping back from the friendship.

Public Appearance in Spain

Despite reports of strain, Jackman and Reynolds appeared together in Valencia, Spain, in early September 2026 for a SailGP event. The two actors are co-owners of the Australian SailGP team Bonds Flying Roos.

Reynolds defeated Jackman in a friendly head-to-head race ahead of the Spain Sail Grand Prix, according to SailGP. The event was widely covered by Spanish media, which noted the pair’s business partnership and their playful rivalry stemming from Deadpool & Wolverine.

The appearance in Valencia came within weeks of the reported ultimatum story and suggested the friendship remained active at that time.

Other Reported Pressures

The ultimatum report coincides with other reported strains on Jackman and Foster’s relationship. In June 2026, The Blast reported the couple were clashing over relocation plans, with Foster preferring to establish a permanent home while Jackman remains committed to spending significant time in New York.

An insider alleged at the time that the couple were ‘not in a happy relationship at the moment’ but added that discussions about their future were ongoing rather than indicating a breakup.

Jackman’s New York penthouse has also remained unsold for more than three years. The property was first listed at $54.2 million and has since been reduced to $40.1 million, according to reports.

Despite the relocation tension, sources told Us Weekly in late August 2026 that Jackman and Foster have ‘talked about getting engaged in the future.’ A source said Jackman has ‘told his friends he thinks she is The One.’

Jackman and Foster went public with their relationship in January 2025. Jackman finalised his divorce from Deborra-Lee Furness in June 2025. Foster filed for divorce from screenwriter Ted Griffin in October 2024.

Latest Status

As of September 2026, neither Hugh Jackman nor Sutton Foster has publicly addressed the reported ultimatum regarding Ryan Reynolds. The claims remain attributed to unnamed sources and have not been confirmed by any of the parties involved.

Jackman and Reynolds continue to be co-owners of the Bonds Flying Roos SailGP team and have made joint public appearances as recently as early September 2026.