Hugh Jackman Reflects On Wolverine Journey And Return: ‘I’m Not Even Gonna Say I’m Sorry’

As part of Variety’s Actors on Actors series, Hugh Jackman sat down with Cynthia Erivo (Wicked: For Good) for a conversation that blended craft and career reflection. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Jackman interview without revisiting the character that defined an entire era of superhero films: Wolverine. Across two standout moments, the actor opened up about how it felt to first step into Logan’s boots, and why he ultimately decided to return after saying a very public goodbye in Logan.

Jackman recalled what it was like becoming Wolverine long before he was a global household name. Early on, he wasn’t as instantly recognizable as he is today, and in one memorable moment, even had to provide proof of identity:

“I was 29. Luckily, no one recognized me as Wolverine on the street,” he said. “I remember two guys arguing in front of me ‘That’s him!’ ‘That’s not him.’ I pulled out my license to settle the argument. It took me a few years just to feel grounded.”

It’s a glimpse into a surreal transition, going from a relatively unknown Australian stage actor to the face of one of Marvel’s most iconic mutants. Jackman has often spoken about how the sudden fame took time to adjust to, and this anecdote captures that early whirlwind perfectly.

While Logan was crafted as a definitive farewell, Jackman explained that letting go of the character felt essential at the time. The clarity he needed then, however, didn’t last forever.

“It doesn’t feel like the end,” he said. “It really felt like the end after Logan. Actually, I needed to claim it as the end, because I really believed in some things that I wanted that movie to be, and I had to fight for them. I had to say, ‘This is the last time I’m doing it.’ Then when I saw Deadpool, I was like, ‘Oh. I see 48 Hrs. I see Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte.’ But I would shove it down. ‘I’ve told everyone that I’m done. I’m not one of those guys.’ Then I went, ‘You know what? I change my mind. It’s not that big of a deal. I’m not even gonna say I’m sorry.’ And it was so awesome.”

His honesty about the internal tug-of-war, wanting to honor Logan as a final chapter, while feeling creatively re-energized by an unexpected spark, is a vivid reminder that iconic roles can evolve right along with the actors who play them. Seeing Deadpool gave him the comedic buddy-movie dynamic he never knew he wanted, and in true Jackman fashion, he embraced it fully.

If anything, these quotes show a performer who isn’t weighed down by the legacy of a role, but energized by it. And with Wolverine’s future back in motion, Jackman’s journey is far from over.

Source: Variety