Hugh Jackman‘s recent comments have sparked renewed excitement among fans speculating about a potential Hugh Jackman Wolverine return, especially after his appearance on The Graham Norton Show. While the actor previously suggested he was done playing Wolverine, his hints suggest the door may not be fully closed on the iconic role within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Jackman Stirs Excitement With Hints and Humor
After the major success of 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine, questions arose about whether Jackman was truly finished with Wolverine, the character he’s embodied for over two decades. However, his latest interview avoided confirming any finality. Instead, as Jay Maidment captured for 20th Century Studios and Marvel, Jackman left fans with more uncertainty and hope.
Sitting down with the studio audience, Jackman faced direct questions from Norton. The host remarked,
“Every time you’re on, you gotta go, ‘Nope, I’m not doing that again,’”
and pressed further:
“But then you keep making another one. And it’s a big big hit. So are you gonna have to do it again?”
Jackman responded with a playful and ambiguous, “Maybe,” sharing a knowing look with the audience. Then, flashing trademark wit, he declared,
“I am never saying ‘never’ ever again.”
– Hugh Jackman, Actor
Adding more context, Jackman reflected on his past claims, stating,
“I did mean it when I said ‘never,’ until the day when I changed my mind. But I really did for quite a few years, I meant it.”
– Hugh Jackman, Actor
Employing humor about modern movie-making, Jackman joked about his extended run as Wolverine, suggesting,
“In fact, I’ve done your show five or six times, I could be in the dressing room [right now].”
– Hugh Jackman, Actor
Speculation Builds Ahead of Major MCU Films
Jackman’s fresh round of teasing arrives just as speculation is mounting about future MCU projects like Avengers: Doomsday. Many fans are eager to see if Wolverine and Ryan Reynolds‘ Deadpool will have roles in the franchise’s next big crossover. The recent box office success of Deadpool & Wolverine has only fueled rumors and hopes for another Jackman return.
After wrapping up Wolverine’s arc with the 2017 film Logan — a critically acclaimed story that marked the character’s on-screen death — Jackman’s decision to join Reynolds for another film surprised many. The duo’s chemistry and fan demand for a Wolverine-Deadpool pairing proved irresistible.
Describing his decision to return, Jackman explained,
“I was on my way, I was just driving, and literally, just like a bolt of lightning, came this knowing deep in my gut that I wanted to do this film with Ryan,”
he told Fandango in 2024. He further shared,
“For Deadpool and Wolverine to come back together. I swear to you, when I said I was done, I really thought I was done. But in the back of my head, ever since I saw Deadpool, I was like, ‘Those two characters together.’ I knew it, I knew the fans wanted it ever since I put on the claws, people talked about these two. So, that had always been there, but I just knew.”
– Hugh Jackman, Actor
Path to Wolverine’s Comeback: Teamwork and Perseverance
The long-anticipated Wolverine and Deadpool team-up involved years of discussions between Jackman and Reynolds. Pitch meetings, changes in studio ownership following the Disney-Fox merger, and plenty of creative conversations were necessary before the project became part of the expanded MCU. The new partnership between Marvel Studios, 20th Century Studios, and Disney added momentum to finally seeing this duo on screen together again.
Ryan Reynolds himself described the project as personal and meaningful, stating,
“It’s not a secret. This pairing has been something I’ve dreamt about for as long as I can remember.”
– Ryan Reynolds, Actor
What’s Next for Hugh Jackman and the Wolverine Character?
While Jackman has not confirmed his return beyond Deadpool & Wolverine, both his comments and the ongoing popularity of his portrayal leave the possibility wide open. The studio audience, Marvel enthusiasts, and followers of the character continue to hope for further appearances, especially as the MCU hints at larger team-up events and character crossovers.
As the MCU expands, Jackman’s nuanced responses and the ever-present demand for Wolverine signal that fans should not count out another surprise return. The next chapter may depend on creative ideas, audience demand, and the versatile willingness Jackman has shown throughout his career.
