The print’s hairstyle was replicated without problems, but an element as emblematic as height was not. The one in the comic measures 1.60 meters, while the chosen one wanders around 1.90. Not to mention his musculature, since the histrion himself has confessed that he felt too fragile during his first incarnation. But in the end, he won us all over, marking a 17-year, 11-movie performance that made Hugh Jackman a world-class star and a superhero movie legend second only to Christopher Reeve’s Superman.
But unlike comic book warriors, actors aren’t eternal. Not even the biggest. The Australian hung up his claws, presumably forever, in March 2017 with the premiere of Logan, leaving many broken hearts and countless pending accounts for those of us who always dream of more. One of them was a worthy encounter with Deadpool and another an appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The risks of return
Despite its success and longevity, it would be foolish to deny that the X franchise was always marked by irregularity. It had low points, but also some very high ones. Hugh Jackman was not responsible for the former at all since he always did an outstanding job, but he was a key player in the latter. He starred in some of the best moments of X Men 2; silenced all the purists in Days of Future Past; and touched the sky with Logan.
This last film, which was to mark his final goodbye to the character, is considered by many to be the best superhero movie of all time. Those who consider him so point to the way in which he breaks the canons of the subgenre to opt for a “neo-western” with sci-fi overtones and that he succeeds in bringing peace to a character marked by torment. It was nominated for an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, being the first film of the subgenre contemplated for one of the five main categories of the Academy. Many also demanded his presence in the shortlists for Best Film and Actor, which ultimately did not materialize.
Reprising Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine after Logan is a challenge not to be taken lightly. For the creative team at Dead Pool 3, which must justify the return. Not from the narrative, which should not represent any problem due to the metanarrative nature of the mercenary and because the multi-award winning individual film takes place on an alternate line. Rather from the emotional point of view, was it necessary to return to it after such a masterpiece? Even more so for a film that will make us forget the experienced drama to appeal to action and irreverence.
It will also be difficult for the actor, who explained at the time that although he would like to play the character for life, it was increasingly difficult for him to achieve and maintain the physical shape necessary to do so. He will hit the target, but hardly hit the peak seen in Wolverine Immortal and Days of Future Past.
Finally, the return per se. It is not given for an individual tape within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, nor for a reunion with the X-Men, nor for a crossover with the Avengers. It is given as a luxury secondary, but a secondary one at last. Also, with a character whose nature makes the incorporation canon uncertain. Should it be seen as a definitive jump to the Marvel franchise? Only time will tell.