Deadpool 3: Hugh Jackman's Wolverine Return & Role Explained

Hugh Jackman's Wolverine is back for Deadpool 3 and here is everything fans need to know about his return.

By Aeron Mer Eclarinal Updated:
Hugh Jackman, Deadpool, Wolverine

Deadpool 3's trailer unveiled the first official footage of Hugh Jackman's return as Wolverine, giving a glimpse of his role in the upcoming MCU threequel. 

In September 2022, Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds surprised everyone when he confirmed Jackman's comeback as the iconic X-Men hero in Deadpool 3, marking the first time that the actor will reprise the role since 2017's Logan.

Jackman has been active in providing an update about his progress for his eventual Wolverine comeback, sharing training photos, and even spoiling his character's dynamic with Wade Wilson. 

Deadpool 3 Trailer Showcases Hugh Jackman's Wolverine 

As part of Deadpool 3's trailer, glimpses of Hugh Jackman's Wolverine were sprinkled throughout the threequel's first footage. 

At the 1:20 mark, Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool can be seen approaching Wolverine inside a casino. 

The brief look shows the X-Men hero wearing something formal, and he seems to be playing a game of poker alongside his peers.

High Jackman as Wolverine in Deadpool 3
Marvel Studios

The trailer ends with Deadpool lying on the ground before Wolverine approaches him, with the shot showcasing a silhouette of his iconic adamantium claws.

Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool
Marvel Studios

Wolverine then stabs Deadpool with his claws before the trailer cuts to black to reveal the threequel's title, Deadpool & Wolverine.

Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool, Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, Deadpool 3
Marvel Studios

The trailer can be seen below: 

 

[ Deadpool 3 Reveals First Official Plot Synopsis ]

Breaking Down Wolverine's Role in Deadpool 3

While Deadpool 3's trailer is mostly Wade Wilson-focused, the few glimpses of Wolverine may shed some light on the X-Men hero's role in the threequel. 

Hugh Jackman said in December 2022 that time travel will play a major factor in his return in Deadpool 3, noting that it was important that they "don't have to screw with the 'Logan' timeline." 

The Time Variance Authority's (TVA) presence in the trailer further proves that point and it seems that it will be up to Deadpool to recruit Wolverine for his unknown mission. 

The trailer also shows that Deadpool and Wolverine are not on good terms, which is in line with Jackman's previous statement that the pair's dynamic as "classic comic-book rivals" will come to life in the movie: 

"When I keep thinking of me and Ryan, of Deadpool and Wolverine, which are classic comic-book rivals, there’s also a dynamic that I’ve never really got to do before as Wolverine. I just thought, 'This is gonna be fun. Something I’ve never done before. I can’t wait.'"

In January 2023, Ryan Reynolds also promised fans that Deadpool and Wolverine's partnership in the movie would feel "extraordinarily authentic:" 

“It’s really kind of finding a way to service both of these characters that feels extraordinarily authentic to each of them, and I think these two wrongs actually will make a right in a pretty great way.”

Aside from the pair's intense rivalry, Jackman's comic-accurate costume will also be pushed to the forefront in Deadpool 3. 

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige chimed in on the Deadpool 3 conversation in February 2023, teasing Jackman's "incredible" comeback as Wolverine in Marvel Studios' first R-rated film: 

"It’s amazing. And we’ve got Hugh Jackman coming back for our first 'Deadpool' film within the MCU. That’s our first R-rated film. To have Hugh come back is incredible." 

Based on the set photos and trailer footage, Deadpool and Wolverine seem to be forced to work together while in the Void, a place located at the end of time where everything pruned by the TVA ends up. 

The fact that both of them are in the Void is in line with Jackman's spoiler-heavy remark about playing "a dual role" in the film, indicating that he will also portray another Variant of his X-Men hero. 

A Deadpool and Wolverine movie wouldn't be complete without the pair fighting each other, with set photos even spoiling a tense clash between the two and the trailer providing a glimpse of that fight. 

It is safe to assume that Deadpool and Wolverine will eventually put aside their differences to serve a bigger purpose, especially after set photos reveal that past enemies (like Sabretooth) will appear to challenge them and potentially try to stop their unknown mission. 


Deadpool & Wolverine will premiere in theaters on July 26. 

Read more about Deadpool & Wolverine below:

Deadpool 3 Cast: Every Character Who Will Appear (Confirmed & Reported)

Will Taylor Swift Appear In Deadpool 3 as Dazzler?

Deadpool 3 (Deadpool and Wolverine): Who Is Pyro? Marvel X-Men Hero Return Explained

- In This Article: Deadpool & Wolverine
Release Date
July 26, 2024
Platform
Theaters
Actors
Matthew Macfadyen
- About The Author: Aeron Mer Eclarinal
Aeron is a news/features writer and Content Lead for The Direct who has been working for the site since March 2020. From writing about the inter-connectivity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to having an extended knowledge about DC TV's Arrowverse, Aeron's expertise has since expanded into the realm of reality TV, K-drama, animated, and live-action shows from Netflix,  Disney+, Prime Video, MGM+, Peacock, Paramount+, and Max. When he isn't writing and watching all things MCU, Aeron is heavily invested with the NBA (go Celtics!) and occasionally watches thrilling matches in the WWE.