Here’s Why Hugh Jackman Really Left Wolverine And If He’ll Ever Come Back For The MCU

It’s been four years since we said goodbye to Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, but statistically speaking, there’s about none of us who don’t miss him.

I still remember bawling my eyes out in the theater— not at the ending, but because deep down, I knew that I wouldn’t be lucky enough to experience something as profound as Hugh’s portrayal of my favorite comic hero again; maybe in this entire lifetime.

Of course, when news spread of Hugh deciding Logan was his final Wolverine role, a singular thought echoed in all of our minds: “Why?” Why would Hugh ever want to quit?

1. Why Did Hugh Jackman Leave Wolverine?

Hugh Jackman left Wolverine because he felt it was time for him to leave the part. “It was a gut feeling,” Hugh explained. “It was time to leave… not just for me, but also the character.” He spoke to Jerry Seinfeld about this, and both agreed Hugh was right.

After 17 years, it makes sense Hugh would feel this way. There comes a time in every story where it needs to come to its inevitable conclusion— Hugh felt Logan was that conclusion.

It’s kind of like, you’re on your way home and your friend rings you and goes, ‘Oh, dude, a new DJ just came on and the music is awesome, are you going to come back?’ And you say, ‘Sounds good but… no.’

Hugh Jackman to The Daily Beast

And as much as it hurt, you can’t help but agree with Hugh: Logan was a great ending to Wolverine’s story. It did the character justice.

1.1 Will Hugh Jackman Ever Be Wolverine Again?

Though Hugh did express an interest in playing Wolverine in the MCU, nothing is confirmed yet. Kevin Feige had to convince Hugh that his cameo wouldn’t undermine Logan’s conclusion, thanks to the multiverse, and Hugh said he’d decide after he sees the script.

Hopefully, the writers at Marvel can whip up something so good Hugh will have no choice but to agree.

Hugh had once said that if Marvel had brought the rights to X-Men before his exit, he might’ve stayed. But now that Logan has been done, he doesn’t want to disturb or ruin what seems like the perfect ending.

But since the portal to the multiverse has been unlocked, Hugh could easily appear as a Wolverine from a different universe than Logan’s.

As for what MCU projects Hugh might appear in, the current options are either Secret Wars or Deadpool 4.

For now, though, there’s only a fifty-fifty chance that Hugh will accept. And if he doesn’t… I’d prefer not to think about it, but as a fan, I put my faith in Hugh’s judgment.

1.2 Is Wolverine In Deadpool 3?

Wolverine is not in Deadpool 3. According to Ryan Reynolds, the original plan for the movie was a crossover between Hugh’s Wolverine and Ryan’s Deadpool, but they were scratched after the Fox-Disney merger. And until Hugh comes to a settlement with Feige, we won’t see Logan in DP3.

If I had any say over these things, I’d toss the Secret Wars aside and focus on getting an R-Rated Deadpool x Wolverine movie out. How long is it going to take Marvel to realize that’s all any of us wants?

Maybe we stand a chance since Ryan mentioned that Deadpool 3 wouldn’t start production anytime before the ending of 2022. If Hugh and Feige could hurry up and conclude their deal before that… oh my goodness just the thought of it makes me happy.

2. Who Will Replace Hugh Jackman As Wolverine?

The new Wolverine has not been cast yet. Though apart from Hugh himself, there have been rumors of Tom Hardy or Charlie Hunnam playing the MCU’s Wolverine, nothing is confirmed. According to Feige, the X-Men are not in the “casting phase” yet.

Kevin Feige has also hinted that if Hugh doesn’t return, they will wait some time before they debut another Wolverine. It makes sense since it’s going to be hard for a lot of us to get over Hugh Jackman and see any other actor in his stead.

I’m not even ashamed to admit that even after four years, many of us still need time to move on.

3. About Wolverine

Wolverine, also known as Logan, is a popular mutant member in the X-Men franchise. Primarily known for his iconic retractable claws, Wolverine has appeared in 10 out of the 13 X-Men movies, and will soon debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The Wolverine movie trilogy (X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Wolverine & Logan) primarily star Hugh Jackman (Wolverine/Logan), Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen, and Ian McKellen among others. The story follows Logan (Wolverine); a mutant whose adamantium skeleton and healing abilities make him indestructible. Eventually, Logan would meet Professor X, and reluctantly join the X-Men.