Hugh Jackman has spent nearly three decades as Wolverine, the adamantium-clawed mutant who became one of the most recognizable faces in superhero cinema. After delivering what many believed was a definitive farewell in Logan (2017) and then returning for a surprise encore in Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), the actor has once again addressed the possibility of reprising the role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In a series of recent interviews, Jackman made it clear he’s no longer willing to say “never,” even joking that Marvel could one day use an AI version of him if he ever truly steps away.
The comments came during a promotional run for his latest project, where Jackman was asked about the emotional toll of playing Logan across ten films—from X-Men in 2000 to the record-breaking Deadpool & Wolverine, which grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide and became the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time. “I’ve said ‘never’ so many times,” Jackman admitted with a laugh. “Every time I think I’ve closed the door, something pulls me back in. So I’m done saying never. I mean, look at what happened with Deadpool & Wolverine. I thought Logan was it—final, definitive. Then Ryan Reynolds calls, and suddenly I’m back in the claws.”
Jackman’s journey as Wolverine began when he was 31 years old, stepping into a role that would define his career. The original X-Men film introduced him as the gruff, cigar-chomping loner with a mysterious past, and audiences immediately connected with the character’s pain, rage, and hidden vulnerability. Over the next two decades, Jackman appeared in every major X-Men film, including the prequels and spin-offs, logging more time in the role than almost any other actor in a single franchise. His commitment was legendary—he bulked up for every film, endured hours of makeup and prosthetics, and performed most of his own stunts.
Logan (2017) was widely seen as the perfect send-off. Directed by James Mangold, the film took a raw, R-rated approach, portraying an aging, broken Logan caring for an ailing Charles Xavier while protecting a young mutant named Laura (Dafne Keen). The story felt final—Logan died protecting the next generation, and Jackman himself called it “the end of the road.” He told reporters at the time that he had no plans to return, citing the physical toll and the desire to leave the character on a high note.
Then came Ryan Reynolds.
Reynolds, who had long campaigned for Jackman to join the Deadpool universe, finally convinced him for Deadpool & Wolverine. The film brought Wolverine into the MCU proper, albeit through a multiversal variant, and paired him with Deadpool in a buddy-road-trip adventure filled with fourth-wall breaks, meta humor, and brutal action. Jackman’s performance earned widespread praise—he brought back the classic yellow suit, the claws, and the signature growl while adding layers of humor and self-awareness. The movie’s massive success—both critically and commercially—reopened the conversation about Wolverine’s future in the MCU.
In interviews following the film’s release, Jackman has been candid about the experience. “I thought Logan was goodbye, and it felt right,” he said. “But then Ryan showed me what he was planning, and it was too good to say no. It wasn’t just another Wolverine movie—it was a love letter to the character, to the fans, and to everything we’ve built over 25 years.” He described the filming process as exhausting but exhilarating, noting that the emotional weight of returning after Logan added depth to his performance.
When asked directly about future appearances, Jackman no longer gives a hard “no.” “I’ve learned my lesson,” he joked in one recent conversation. “Every time I say ‘never again,’ Marvel finds a way. So I’m not saying never. Who knows? Maybe one day they’ll just use AI me—plug in my face, my voice, and keep going. I’d probably watch that.” The AI comment drew laughs, but it also highlighted a real possibility in an era where deepfake technology and digital likeness rights are becoming central to Hollywood discussions.
Marvel Studios has not officially confirmed any future Wolverine projects beyond Deadpool & Wolverine, but the character’s integration into the MCU opens numerous doors. Kevin Feige has spoken positively about the potential for more X-Men stories in the Multiverse Saga, and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027) is expected to feature a massive crossover that could include variants of classic characters. A multiversal Wolverine—perhaps a different timeline version—would allow Jackman to return without contradicting Logan’s ending.
Jackman has also addressed the physical demands. At 57, he acknowledges the toll of playing a character who requires intense training, fight choreography, and hours in makeup. Yet he remains in remarkable shape, crediting his commitment to health and the joy of the role. “It’s not easy,” he said. “But when you’re on set, claws out, hearing the crowd cheer—that feeling never gets old.”
Fans have mixed but mostly enthusiastic reactions. Many want to see more of Jackman’s Wolverine, especially after Deadpool & Wolverine proved the character still resonates with new generations. Others argue that Logan should remain his definitive farewell, and any return risks diminishing its impact. Jackman seems aware of both sides. “I get it,” he said. “I don’t want to overstay my welcome. But if the story’s right, if it honors what we’ve done, and if the fans want it—I’m open.”
For now, Marvel remains tight-lipped about specific plans. The Multiverse Saga’s final chapters—Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars—are expected to feature a wide array of characters, old and new. Whether Jackman returns in a cameo, a variant role, or even a full arc remains to be seen. What is clear is that he no longer rules it out.
Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine has been a cornerstone of the superhero genre for over two decades. From the original X-Men to the billion-dollar success of Deadpool & Wolverine, he has carried the character through every evolution of comic-book cinema. His willingness to leave the door open—however slightly—ensures that fans will continue to speculate, hope, and cheer for the possibility of one more “bub.”
In a landscape where superheroes come and go, some legacies endure. And as long as Hugh Jackman is willing to say “maybe,” Wolverine’s claws may yet slice through the MCU once more.
