In a tantalizing twist for Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) fans, Hugh Jackman has once again played coy about reprising his iconic role as Wolverine, this time in the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday. During a recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show (via Digital Spy), the Australian actor addressed persistent rumors linking his clawed mutant to the next chapter of Earth's Mightiest Heroes, refusing to rule out a return despite his storied history of farewells to the character.
Jackman, who first donned the adamantium claws in 2000's X-Men and bid a dramatic adieu in 2017's Logan, shocked audiences with his surprise comeback in this summer's blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine. That film, which grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide and became the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time, reignited speculation about Wolverine's place in the broader MCU tapestry. With the Fox X-Men universe now fully integrated into Marvel Studios' fold following Disney's 2019 acquisition, whispers of Jackman's involvement in the Avengers saga have grown louder, particularly as Avengers: Doomsday—formerly known as Avengers 5—looms on the horizon.
Pressed by host Graham Norton on the possibility of Logan joining the fray against multiversal threats, Jackman delivered a response laced with his trademark humor and ambiguity. "Maybe. I’m never saying 'never' ever again," he quipped, acknowledging the irony of his repeated "retirements" from the role. Reflecting on his past convictions, the 57-year-old star elaborated, "I did mean it until the day I changed my mind. I did mean it for quite a few years. I have done ten films now, so I think they have enough for an AI version of me!" The remark, delivered with a wry smile, highlights Jackman's self-aware take on his extensive portrayal, which spans over two decades and includes pivotal entries like X2: X-Men United, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and the aforementioned Logan, widely regarded as one of the character's most poignant send-offs.
This isn't the first time Jackman has danced around such queries. In the lead-up to Deadpool & Wolverine, he insisted his involvement was a one-off favor to co-star Ryan Reynolds, yet the film's massive success—and its post-credits tease of broader MCU crossovers—has fueled hopes for more. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has remained tight-lipped, but industry insiders suggest that with the Multiverse Saga reaching its climax, Wolverine's gruff anti-hero persona could provide a perfect counterbalance to the ensemble dynamics of an Avengers film. Jackman's physical transformation for the role, involving rigorous training and a shredded physique at an age when many actors scale back, underscores his commitment, even as he jokes about digital doppelgangers taking over.
The buzz surrounding Jackman's potential return arrives at a pivotal moment for the MCU, as Avengers: Doomsday promises to reshape the franchise's narrative landscape. Directed by the Russo brothers—Anthony and Joe, who helmed the record-shattering Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame—the film shifts focus from the previously planned Avengers: The Kang Dynasty following the recasting controversies around Jonathan Majors. While plot details remain under wraps, early teases indicate a high-stakes confrontation centered on Doctor Doom, the tyrannical ruler of Latveria and one of Marvel's most formidable villains. Expect multiversal incursions, reality-bending chaos, and alliances forged in the fires of existential threats, building directly on the events of Deadpool & Wolverine and the looming incursions teased in Loki Season 2.
The ensemble cast is already shaping up to be a who's-who of MCU heavyweights and fresh faces. Robert Downey Jr. makes a seismic return—not as the beloved Iron Man, but as the malevolent Doctor Doom, a role that has sparked endless debate about narrative reinvention. Chris Hemsworth reprises his thunder-god duties as Thor, bringing his Asgardian might to the mix, while Pedro Pascal steps in as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic from the upcoming Fantastic Four: First Steps. Vanessa Kirby joins as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, further intertwining the FF with the Avengers. Other confirmed players include Tom Hiddleston as Loki, potentially in a more redemptive arc, and hints at appearances from Paul Rudd's Ant-Man and Elizabeth Olsen's Scarlet Witch, though Marvel's secretive production keeps the full lineup fluid.
As production ramps up under the Russos' guidance, Avengers: Doomsday is poised to deliver the kind of epic scope that defined Endgame, with practical effects, groundbreaking VFX, and emotional depth at its core. For Jackman, whose Wolverine has evolved from a brooding outsider to a reluctant legend, any involvement would mark a full-circle moment, bridging the X-Men legacy with the MCU's infinite possibilities.
Avengers: Doomsday is slated for theatrical release on December 18, 2026, with IMAX screenings enhancing the spectacle for audiences worldwide. A follow-up, Avengers: Secret Wars, follows on December 17, 2027, capping Phase Six in grand fashion. Whether Jackman's "maybe" blossoms into a definitive yes remains one of the MCU's most intriguing unknowns—but in a universe where nothing is truly final, Wolverine's claws could yet scratch the surface once more.
