Jack to Go back
Hugh Jackman returns to Wolverine with talons out this year
A Staff Writer speaks to the Australian actor about his decision
They often say ‘never go back’ – whether it means returning to a former team or previous workplace, or trying to rekindle a romance following a long hiatus. And in the movie world, it can be the same.
But when you are a hugely successful actor such as Hugh Jackman who is famous for many roles, particularly Wolverine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it doesn’t really pay to listen to the naysayers.
Jackman says: “I’ve always been the kind of person who simply goes ahead and does something. I am not a risk taker in that sense; but I’m never one to back away from a challenge because of nerves or uncertainty – that’s not me.”
Hugh does things his way and the plans he makes, more often than not, come to glorious fruition. This summer has been no different as fans flocked in their millions across the globe, paying hard cash to see Jackman and Ryan Reynolds in Deadpool & Wolverine.
“When I got the call to do the movie, I was driving – and I immediately shouted ‘yes!’ I’d been away from it and couldn’t help but miss it; so the temptation to jump back in was far too great. Once you get butterflies over a project, you know it’s something you have to pursue,” Hugh explains.
However, it is true that Jackman contemplated never going back to that character with those adamantium claws, following his last appearance in 2017’s Logan.
He admits: “After 17 years and nine films, I was definitely done. It never felt right before that when I had considered walking away; but after Logan, it really did seem that my time was done.”
“I’ve done some great movies and theatre since, and I guess I had put the character to one side – and happily so. Yet, as soon as the opportunity came about again, I felt once more that this was the right move. We had a new story to tell and that in itself was enough to pique my attention,” Jackman explains.
Modern cinema needs the superhero genre. So many of each year’s highest yielding movies come in the form of former comic book heroes with action themed movies draped in big battles, special effects and groundbreaking CGI.
Hugh says: “I think that’s the reality of where we are at the moment and it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Movies often reflect where we are in life, and the action genre is often a reaction and a release from the tough things going on in people’s lives. So my advice is to let the moviegoers explore these fantasy worlds and have fun doing so.”
“I’m uncertain if it will always be this way. In 10 years’ time, the industry may be making its way back to producing the classic romantic dramas and romcoms of the 1980s – although I hope that won’t be the case,” Jackman muses.
Hugh is one of those actors who tends to make the right call most of the time. From sitcom Bad Education and crime thriller Prisoners, to musical Les Misérables and musical thriller The Greatest Showman, the actor crosses genres with style and status, and his output speaks for itself.
Jackman enthuses: “After you’ve been in this business for a while, you grow confident about grasping the right opportunity when it is handed to you… and you grip it tight with both hands, and that’s exactly what I felt with this.”
“I watched Deadpool in Times Square during the 9 p.m. showing; and because it was absolutely packed to the rafters, I had to sit on the stairs. Nobody knew it was me. I sat at the back of the cinema and crouched down while wearing a baseball cap, simply taking in the movie and reactions of the audience,” reveals Hugh.
He affirms: “We can live a sheltered life as actors, and never directly see how a film influences and impacts an audience. But that night was a really cool and revealing moment for me; and ever since then, I’ve known the power of the character.”
Although rumours about another movie continue to circulate, neither Jackman nor Reynolds are doing much to deny that they will get back together to do it all again.
“The good thing is that the ‘Wolverine workout’ is almost second nature to me now,” Hugh declares, as he describes the physical journey he has to take to get into perfect combat mode.
Jackman says: “Actually, I think Wolverine has prolonged my life expectancy. My waistline would be twice the size it is now if it wasn’t for him – so I’m eternally grateful for that.”
“I think getting older means focussing on health and wellbeing to give you the option – not to tick more boxes necessarily but create more boxes to be ticked!” he concludes, beaming.
“Movies often reflect where we are in life, and the action genre is often a reaction and a release from the tough things going on in people’s lives”
“After you’ve been in this business for a while, you grow confident about grasping the right opportunity when it is handed to you”
