Imagine a world without Wolverine... unthinkable, right? But after Hugh Jackman's emotionally charged farewell in Logan, it seemed like that's exactly where we were headed. Now, after the massive $1.3 billion success of Deadpool & Wolverine, the claws may be out again! Jackman himself has dropped some intriguing hints about the future of Wolverine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it's enough to make any X-Men fan giddy with excitement.
Brennan Klein, a senior news writer at Screen Rant and host of the Attack of the Queerwolf podcast, brings us the latest scoop. For years, Wolverine was the bedrock of the X-Men movie franchise, a consistent presence in almost every installment. From leading the charge to making memorable cameos, Jackman was Wolverine. Except, of course, for Dark Phoenix, The New Mutants, and the first two Deadpool films. Why the absence? Well, Logan, the gritty and acclaimed neo-Western, seemingly gave the character a definitive, heartbreaking end back in 2017.
But here's where it gets controversial... some fans felt Logan's ending was perfect, a powerful send-off that shouldn't be undone. Others desperately missed the character and yearned for his return. Fast forward to 2024, and Jackman's surprising comeback in Deadpool & Wolverine shattered box office records. This wasn't just any return; it was the official MCU debut for both Deadpool and Wolverine after Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Studios, opening up a multiverse of possibilities.
In a recent conversation with Cynthia Erivo (of Wicked: For Good fame) as part of Variety's Actors on Actors series, Jackman, currently promoting his new film Song Sung Blue, delved into the reasons behind his decision to don the claws once more. He emphasized the importance of Logan's ending feeling final. He initially resisted the idea of a comeback, needing to believe in the weight and significance of Wolverine's death. And this is the part most people miss... Jackman wasn't just being stubborn; he was protecting the integrity of the character and the emotional impact of Logan.
So, what changed his mind? The script for Deadpool & Wolverine! Jackman revealed that the dynamic reminded him of the classic buddy cop film 48 Hours, with the hilarious pairing of Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte. "It was so awesome" to revisit the character in this fresh, unexpected context, he admitted, once he allowed himself to be convinced.
"It really felt like the end after Logan," Jackman stated, "[but now] it doesn't feel like the end." He elaborated: "I’ve learned it’s as important to mark the ending of something as it is the beginning... It doesn’t feel like the end [when it comes to Wolverine]. It really felt like the end after Logan. Actually, I needed to claim it as the end, because I really believed in some things that I wanted that movie to be, and I had to fight for them. I had to say, 'This is the last time I’m doing it.' Then when I saw Deadpool, I was like, 'Oh. I see 48 Hrs. I see Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte.' But I would shove it down. 'I’ve told everyone that I’m done. I’m not one of those guys.' Then I went, 'You know what? I change my mind. It’s not that big of a deal. I’m not even gonna say I’m sorry.' And it was so awesome."
While Jackman's words suggest that the door is ajar for future Wolverine appearances, he stopped short of confirming any concrete plans for upcoming MCU projects. However, the possibilities are plentiful. The MCU is increasingly embracing characters from the original X-Men films following Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Studios in 2019. We've already seen Evan Peters as Quicksilver in WandaVision, Kelsey Grammer reprising his role as Beast in The Marvels' post-credits scene, and Patrick Stewart appearing as Professor X from an alternate universe in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Moreover, several original X-Men actors, including Grammer, Stewart, Ian McKellen (as Magneto), Alan Cumming (as Nightcrawler), Rebecca Romijn (as Mystique), and James Marsden (as Cyclops), are slated to return in Avengers: Doomsday. Although Jackman hasn't been explicitly announced as part of this ensemble, the potential for a cameo or a more substantial role in future MCU ventures post-Deadpool & Wolverine, such as Avengers: Secret Wars or the untitled X-Men film directed by Jake Schreier, remains tantalizingly high.
So, what do you think? Was Logan a perfect ending that should have been left untouched, or are you thrilled to see Hugh Jackman back in the role of Wolverine? Could his return cheapen the emotional impact of Logan, or does the multiverse allow for exciting new interpretations of the character without diminishing the original film's legacy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
