Hugh Jackman is open to returning to the superhero movie genre in the future, but in a new role. Jackman hung up Wolverine’s adamantium claws last year in Logan after 17 years of playing the X-Men character for Fox. His exit appears to have come at the perfect time, as Disney and Marvel Studios will soon gain control of the entire X-Men roster.
Although it is the Marvel Cinematic Universe that gets most of the credit for the superhero movie trend that currently dominates Hollywood, but Jackman and the early X-Men success played just as large a part in it. Jackman was a largely unknown actor at the time he was cast as Wolverine (a role in which he replaced Dougray Scott), but made the role his own to the point where many now have a difficult time imagining anyone else playing the part. He insists that he won’t be making a return as Wolverine, but what about as a new superhero?
MTV interviewed Jackman as part of the promotional tour for his new film The Front Runner and they had to ask him about his superhero days and any potential future. Since his days as Wolverine are behind him, it would take a new role to bring him back to the genre. And for those who want to see this happen, Jackman is open to the idea, if it’s the right part.
As much as Jackman loved playing Wolverine, one of the main reasons he decided to retire from the role was the physically demanding nature of it. In order to properly play Wolverine, Jackman had to train for months before filming began to get in tip-top shape, and he somehow appeared to always exceed his previous effort. That type of role is probably not something Jackman is looking for as a potential followup, so what roles could he take?
Oh yeah, I’d be open to that. Yeah, for sure. I mean, for me I never saw it as a superhero, even when I got Logan and I didn’t know much about the X-Men series or comic book series, I was like ’these are great characters.’ All of these people are flawed characters. Sure they have extraordinary abilities, right, but they are all really flawed, and that’s what the movie’s about. That’s why people relate to it.
Since Jackman previously expressed interest in wanting to team up with the Avengers, finding a role in the MCU could be the ideal scenario for him and fans. Keeping him in the X-Men world could be fun, and one role that would be especially interesting could be his take on Professor X. Jackman could easily pull off the wise mentor now and would be a big name star to attach to the franchise, who can also stand toe-to-toe with the MCU’s heaviest hitters. Of course, that is just one suggestion. If Jackman is serious about taking on another role, both Marvel and DC have no shortage of upcoming characters that could suit him. Now it’s just up to the various parties to find the right one.
MORE: Daredevil Season 3 Reveals How Wolverine Can Join The MCU
Source: MTV
