In the X-Men franchise, Hugh Jackman as Wolverine has held pride of place as arguably the most pivotal character who has played an integral role in advancing the narrative over multiple films. While the Australian star has not appeared in every X-Men spinoff, he has been part of most of the mainline films as Wolverine. One of the key storylines that defined the franchise was the romantic relationship between Jackman’s Wolverine and Jean Grey played in the original X-Men films by Famke Janssen.
Therefore, his conspicuous absence from the origin story Dark Phoenix featuring Sophie Turner as Jean Grey was questioned by many fans, especially considering his intrinsic connection to the character. Director Simon Kinberg though, confessed that the significant age gap between both actors was a key factor in not signing on the Oscar nominee for the film.
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Here’s Why Hugh Jackman Was Missing From Dark Phoenix
Among the various narrative threads in the X-Men franchise, Wolverine’s connection with Jean Grey is seen as one of the significant storylines that expanded over various films. Both Hugh Jackman and Famke Jansen shared an impressive chemistry and ensured that their characters touched a chord with audiences across the globe.
Considering both characters share a history together, director Simon Kinberg surprisingly chose not to develop this relationship further in Dark Phoenix, the origin story of Jean Grey featuring Sophie Turner. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Kinberg elaborated clearly on his reasons for the decision, and stated that the 27-year age gap between Jackman and Turner put him off.
“If you know the Dark Phoenix story, you’d want to really service the love story between Logan and Jean. And I think the notion of Hugh Jackman, as great as he looks for his age, and Sophie Turner — it didn’t sit well with me. Or anyone else!”
In addition, Kinberg also believed that Jackman’s presence in the film would have overshadowed Turner’s day in the sun while also lessening the significance of her character in the film. It is also possible the director wanted his long-standing association with the X-Men franchise as a writer and producer to remain intact.
Hugh Jackman Believes He Truly Understands Wolverine Now
Few Hollywood stars get the rare opportunity to reprise iconic roles over multiple years and develop on them. Hugh Jackman has personified his famous character Wolverine in over nine films and has proved that he is the perfect choice for the deadly clawed superhero who was first introduced to audiences in the X-Men films.
Jackman’s intense physical performance and charisma ensured that viewers were obsessed with his character in every film. The Les Miserables star is now set to revisit his iconic role in Deadpool 3 starring Ryan Reynolds. Speaking of how Wolverine became easier for him to internalize and portray with experience, Jackman told Variety,
“A little part of me now thinks I’d be better at it. Is that arrogance of age or something? Wolverine’s a tortured character — more tortured than me. But I always get the feeling of him being comfortable in his own skin. And I feel more comfortable in my own skin now, even though it’s messier.
With Deadpool 3 already expected to create history at the box office in 2024, time will tell if Jackman’s arresting presence as Wolverine and his highly anticipated chemistry with Reynolds will pay rich dividends.
Dark Phoenix is streaming on Disney+
