Hugh Jackman has previously stated the next standalone Wolverine film will be his last appearance as the superhero mutant but everything is still clouded in mystery. This week he unveiled a teaser image for the movie.
Jackman has appeared in 7 films as the almost indestructible fan favourite, becoming immensely popular for his dry wit, and vicious tenacity when dispatching bad guys. The third ‘Wolverine’ movie is set to be the last time we see Jackman in the role, and perhaps the last time we see Wolverine at all. Marvel recently announced the ‘Death of Wolverine’ comic series in which he will lose his regenerative powers and be killed off. It’s story arc that revolves around Wolverine having ‘three months to live.’ It’s yet to be confirmed if the next film or X-Men: Apocalypse will follow this idea. It’s interesting to note Jackman has not yet been confirmed to appear in Apocalypse.
One theory on the plot of the next solo film is that it will be based on the Old Man Logan comic series, which would see the ageing actor play an ageing character. The actor confirmed this as a possibility, speaking to Screen Rant:
“Well, of course we’re looking at Old Man Logan, because that may be the only option left at this point!”
If the films do stay true to Logan’s eventual demise in the comics, it will be bad news for fans hoping to see him in X-Force, which is rumoured to be in discussions for development.
Jackman is already feeling nostalgic, another indication that he won’t be returning after both films see 2017 releases. He appeared on the Dr Oz. Show as reported by International Business Times to reminisce:
“This will be my last one. It is my last time, I just felt … It 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 this long. I’m so grateful to the fans and for the opportunity of playing him, and I love it. I kind of have, in my head, what we’re going to do in this last one, and it just feels like this is the perfect way to go out.”
It will be a major farewell for the actor who has personified the character better than most people could have imagined. The reason he has retained the role for so long is because no one could do it better, and it’s hard to imagine now how anyone else could take up the role. Perhaps it would be better if the character was laid to rest, lest the on-screen legacy on screen be tarnished.
Such a revelation is the perfect opportunity to milk the project for all it’s worth. This week he shared a teaser image of himself sporting the claw(s) for the final movie.
Quite a cheeky image with only one pointedly position claw extended, but an image which stays true to his character; a no nonsense, vitriolic warrior that has always had a very deep dark side.
If the Old Man Logan plotline is confirmed it will see Logan leaving his life as Wolverine behind to be with his family, before joining Hawkeye on a mission to deliver a package. If the comics kill him off, it’s hard to tell if the movie will work that in, and if they do, exactly how he will meet his fate.
Mystery continues to surround the whole X-Men atmosphere. Even the plot of Apocalypse is unknown at this time, providing fans with a frustrating wait for everything to be cleared up. Until then, we have rumours and teasers to keep the internet buzzing.
