Hugh: Tears and smiles during 17 years of playing Wolverine
The iconic clawed mutant has brought both joy and sadness to the Australian star
Hugh’s role as the Wolverine lasted 17 years, leaving an indelible mark on both the actor and his fans. This intense emotional journey reached its emotional peak when Hugh said goodbye to the character. Let’s explore the unforgettable journey of one of the most iconic superheroes in cinema history.
Wolverine’s tearful goodbye
Before Logan debuted, Hugh opened up about his emotional attachment to the role. In an interview with Female First, he shared: “I had a lot of emotions while filming this movie. For me, it’s not just about Wolverine but a much deeper story. I cried many times on set. I hope fans will feel like Logan is the movie they want to see.” He confirmed that Logan would mark his final appearance as Wolverine, leaving fans both heartbroken and grateful for the incredible journey.
17 years of the Werewolf: A bittersweet journey
When production on the first X-Men film began, Hugh was not the original choice for the role of Wolverine. Initially, British actor Dougray Scott was chosen to take on the role, but due to scheduling conflicts with Mission: Impossible 2, Hugh was given the opportunity. At the time, Hugh was a relatively unknown actor, 30 years old and eager to prove himself.
Fans of the original comics were initially skeptical because the 6-foot-4 Hugh is much taller than the comic book version of Wolverine, who is depicted as just 6 feet tall. However, Hugh’s dedication to capturing the character’s ferocity and complexity soon won over even the most demanding fans.
Hugh’s dramatic physical transformation
One of the highlights of Hugh’s portrayal of Wolverine is his physical transformation. The actor dedicated himself to rigorous training to achieve the muscular, fierce look that fans expect from this character. Throughout his 17-year tenure, Jackman maintained a disciplined exercise routine that showcased Wolverine’s animalistic strength, even as he approached his 40s.
Jackman once reflected: “I know to many of my fans, I am the Wolverine. I cannot allow myself to appear less than that.” His commitment paid off, and even at the age of 48, Jackman’s physique is still admired by fans and critics alike, cementing his status as the on-screen Wolverine.
The early success of X-Men and beyond
X-Men (2000) was a huge success, followed by two sequels, X-2 (2003) and X-Men: The Last Stand (2006). The Wolverine character became so popular that Hugh received his own spin-off film, X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), which grossed nearly $400 million worldwide. Jackman has since appeared in nine X-Men films, making him the most featured actor in the franchise, surpassing veteran co-stars Ian McKellen (Magneto) and Patrick Stewart (Professor).
Overall, the X-Men films featuring Hugh as Wolverine have earned a staggering $3.6 billion at the global box office, making it one of the most successful superhero franchises of all time.
Logan: A fitting farewell
James Mangold’s Logan (2017) is the final chapter in Hugh’s run as Wolverine. Set in the year 2029, the film depicts an aging, tired Logan whose regenerative abilities begin to wane. As the protector of both Professor X and a young mutant, Logan explored the weaknesses of a character once considered invincible.
Critics and fans hailed Logan as one of the best superhero films ever made. The Washington Post praised Hugh’s performance, writing: “Logan is Hugh’s Wolverine at the height of his powers. He makes the audience wish they could see more of him.” After 17 years in the role, Hugh debuted in what many consider his best character role.
An achievement carved in steel
When reflecting on his time playing Wolverine, Hugh expressed gratitude for the character, saying in an interview with Korea Times: “This is an incredible role and it will always be a part of mine. The Wolverine existed 37 years before I took on the role, and I’m sure other actors will play him in the future. I hope they will deal with him fairly.”
Hugh’s portrayal of Wolverine left a lasting legacy, not only in the X-Men universe but also in the broader superhero genre. His commitment to the character, both physically and mentally, redefined what it meant to be a superhero on screen. Even though Hugh left the role, his impact on the world of superhero cinema will never be forgotten.
Hugh’s Wolf – A character for all time
For 17 years, Hugh has embodied the character of Wolverine with unparalleled dedication and passion. His journey from an unknown actor to an international superstar is a testament to his talent and hard work. While Hugh may have abandoned his claws for good, his legacy as the Wolverine will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come.
