Hugh Jackman Advised Against Starring in Deadpool & Wolverine Film, But What Made Him Change His Mind?
Hugh Jackman’s departure as the beloved Wolverine in 2017’s Logan left fans heartbroken. Little did they know that the X-Men hero would make a comeback in the Marvel universe almost ten years later, sparing them from immense grief. However, Jackman’s return in Deadpool & Wolverine almost didn’t happen.
The Hollywood star was urged not to reprise his role as Logan by a significant figure in the Marvel world, according to reports. As the highly anticipated Marvel film approaches its release, Jackman reflects on the moment when he agreed to return as Wolverine.
Hugh Jackman reveals details about Wolverine’s comeback
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige advised Hugh Jackman against taking the role, believing that Wolverine had the best character ending in “history” in 2017’s Logan. In an exclusive interview with Empire on May 2nd, Feige recalled, “I said, ‘Let me give you a piece of advice, Hugh. Don’t come back’.”
“‘You had the greatest ending in history with Logan. That’s not something we should undo’,” continued the Marvel head. However, the 55-year-old actor had more in store besides the comeback. In Deadpool & Wolverine, Jackman’s Wolverine is set to present various versions of his character, teaming up with Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool, and finally donning Wolverine’s iconic yellow suit as seen in the comics.
Wade Wilson and Logan’s much-awaited reunion, following Reynolds’ debut as Deadpool in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine, was a concept awaiting Jackman’s approval. “I was about an hour into the drive. And that question came into my head: ‘What do I want to do?’.” the Australian actor spoke of his decision.
The X-Men star revealed that the only answer that came to mind was “I wanted to do Deadpool & Wolverine.” “I just knew it. I drove for another hour. Couldn’t stop thinking about it. And I got out of the car, called Ryan, and said, ‘Ryan, if you’ll have me, I’m in’,” recounted Jackman.
Hugh Jackman’s call to Ryan Reynolds changed everything
Director Shawn Levy, who has worked with both stars on previous projects, disclosed that Jackman’s phone call was a “game-changer” in the filmmaking process. He and Reynolds had been brainstorming ideas for the third Deadpool sequel since working together on The Adam Project in 2022.
On Tuesday, May 7th, Levy told ET, “Everything changed drastically the day Hugh called Ryan.” Describing the ideas they had initially discussed, the director shared, “Those were story ideas that followed the first two Deadpools, but none of them foresaw such a significant change.” However, Jackman’s call, with whom Levy collaborated on Free Guy in 2021, altered their plans entirely. The director noted that compelling story ideas emerged on the same day.
Levy and Jackman have previously collaborated on films such as Real Steel and Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.
Deadpool & Wolverine is scheduled to hit theaters on July 26, 2024.
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