After more than a decade and half, Hugh Jackman has made it clear that 2017's sequel to "The Wolverine" will be his last time playing the iconic X-Men. Jackman has been the face of the X-Men franchise ever since the original movie released back in 2000.
Jackman has played the adamantium-clawed brute in all six X-Men films that followed. That's downright commendable in a world where we've see five Batmen, a trio of Supermen and multiple Hulk's, Spideys and Fantastic Foursomes.
"It just felt like it was the right time to do it. And let's be honest, 17 years. I never thought in a million years it would last, so I'm so grateful to the fans for the opportunity of playing it," Jackman confirmed in an interview. "I kind of have in my head what we're going to do in this last one. It just feels like this is the perfect way to go out.
He has become so synonymous with the character, that it is tough to imagine any one else step into his shoes. Digital Spy recently reported that director Bryan Singer and producer Simon Kinberg both stated that they couldn't foresee anyone replacing Jackman at any point in the near future.
"I do think you would want to figure out how to tell more Wolverine stories. So either we would try to entice Hugh to come back and eat more chicken and work out for a few months, or we would have to figure out a creative way to move forward," Kinberg said. "Honestly, I can't imagine anybody else playing the part, and there's not too many characters I can say that for."
Conceivably, no male actor can replace such a beloved character on the big screen, and definite to risk tarnishing the legacy left behind by Jackman. The other option is to retire Wolverine from the franchise altogether, a decision that could earn the wrath of fans.
"X-Men: Apocalypse" will be released on May 27, 2016. "Wolverine 3" will be released on March 3, 2017.
