Deadpool & Wolverine: Ryan Reynolds was ecstatic about the return of Hugh Jackman as Logan: “The script had to deliver a compelling narrative that justified their teaming up”

Helmed by Shawn Levy, Deadpool & Wolverine hits theaters on July 26.

July 16, 2024 - 4:12 PM IST

The Merc with a Mouth meets the adamantium-clawed mutant in a team-up nobody expected! Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman are finally sharing the screen again in the highly anticipated Marvel Cinematic Universe film, Deadpool & Wolverine. This project marks not only the reunion of two fan-favourite characters but also a real-life friendship between the actors that translates beautifully to the big screen.

Deadpool & Wolverine: Ryan Reynolds was ecstatic about the return of Hugh Jackman as Logan: “The script had to deliver a compelling narrative that justified their teaming up”

In a recent interview with the New York Times, Reynolds spoke about the long journey to bring Deadpool & Wolverine together. “It's been a forever wait to do a movie with Hugh,” he said. “There were scenes where it was hard to tell if Wade was talking to Logan or Ryan was talking to Hugh.”

Finding the right story was paramount. “The key was finding something that felt right for both characters,” Reynolds explained. Deadpool's irreverent humour and fourth-wall-breaking antics needed to mesh with Wolverine's gruff seriousness, and the script had to deliver a compelling narrative that justified their teaming up.

Jackman, who famously said goodbye to the role in 2017's Logan, also admitted to a renewed interest in Wolverine. “There were aspects of the character I wanted to explore further,” he shared. “This film allowed me to show sides of him that I've always wanted to get out.”

This excitement extends beyond the characters. Jackman believes Deadpool & Wolverine could be one of his best outings as the iconic hero. “The entire filmmaking experience was incredible,” he said. “This goes beyond my 25 years playing Wolverine. There's warmth, humour, irreverence, and crazy action, but most importantly, you feel the friendship between them.”

This film marks Jackman's tenth time portraying Wolverine, a journey that began in 2000 with Bryan Singer's X-Men. In 2015, Comic-Con was abuzz when Jackman announced his departure from the role after Logan. The film delivered a definitive and emotional conclusion, making his return in Deadpool & Wolverine a delightful surprise.

Jackman acknowledged the shift in his perspective. Looking back at his initial X-Men contract, he admitted, “I was very much at the mercy of everyone else. They'd say 'sequel' and I'd say 'great,' then a script would appear and that was that.” This changed with Logan, where he had more creative control. He felt he'd explored all he could offer the character at that point.

However, seeing the first Deadpool film sparked a new idea. “There's another reason,” Jackman realized. This, coupled with his long-standing relationship with Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, paved the way for his return.

Their bond dates back to Feige's role as an associate producer on the first X-Men film. Jackman credits Feige with keeping him in the loop about Wolverine's comic book storylines, even when the director wasn't keen on them being referenced on set. Feige's influence goes even further back. “I was flying to a screen test,” Jackman recalled, “and Kevin offered to drive me to the airport afterwards. He knew I wasn't getting the part, but he still took me out for steak.” Their close relationship, combined with the perfect story and a desire to explore new facets of Wolverine, led Jackman back to the character.

Helmed by Shawn Levy, Deadpool & Wolverine hits theaters on July 26.