Hugh Jackman, an actor whose name has become synonymous with Wolverine, shocked fans worldwide when he announced his retirement from the iconic role after the release of Logan in 2017. For 17 years, Jackman brought the brooding, clawed mutant to life on the big screen, and his final performance in Logan was a poignant farewell that left audiences in tears.

But just when everyone thought they had seen the last of Jackman’s Wolverine, fate—or rather, Ryan Reynolds—had different plans. The story of how Jackman went from hanging up his claws for good to reprising his role alongside Reynolds in Deadpool & Wolverine is one filled with humor, nostalgia, and a touch of Michael Jackson.

The Farewell That Wasn’t Meant to Last

When Hugh Jackman decided to retire from playing Wolverine, it was a decision that seemed both inevitable and final. After all, Logan was the perfect swan song, a gritty, emotional, and ultimately tragic conclusion to Wolverine’s journey. In interviews following the release of the film, Jackman repeatedly stated that he was ready to move on. He had given everything to the character, and it was time to explore new horizons. He spoke about how the physical demands of the role, combined with the emotional depth required for Logan, made it the right moment to step away.

But even as he bid farewell to Wolverine, Jackman couldn’t help but feel a twinge of regret. In 2018, while promoting The Greatest Showman, Jackman revealed in an interview with Josh Horowitz that he had some second thoughts after watching the first Deadpool movie. The film, which starred his friend Ryan Reynolds, was a massive hit, and its irreverent, self-aware humor made it stand out in the crowded superhero genre. Jackman couldn’t help but wonder what it would have been like to team up with Reynolds’ Deadpool, a character known for his wisecracks and fourth-wall-breaking antics.

The Michael Jackson Metaphor: A Missed Opportunity

During the interview, Jackman used a Michael Jackson metaphor to explain his feelings about missing out on Deadpool. He compared the situation to being at a party where, after dancing for hours, you decide it’s time to leave. But just as you’re heading home, someone calls you and says, “They just put on Michael Jackson!” Part of you is tempted to go back and join in the fun, but another part of you just wants to go to bed. For Jackman, playing Wolverine in a Deadpool movie was like hearing that Michael Jackson had started playing at the party. It was tempting, but he felt he had already given his all.

Jackman’s metaphor was a humorous way to convey the internal conflict he felt at the time. On one hand, he recognized the potential of a Deadpool-Wolverine team-up as something special. On the other hand, he had already mentally and emotionally moved on from the character. When Horowitz asked if he regretted not returning as Wolverine, Jackman admitted that while he loved the idea, he was content with his decision to step away. He was cheering for Reynolds and the success of Deadpool, but for him, Wolverine’s story was over.

Ryan Reynolds’ Relentless Persuasion: The Turning Point

While Jackman might have been content with his retirement, Ryan Reynolds was not. The two actors share a well-documented friendship, one that often plays out in public with playful jabs and social media exchanges. Reynolds, who was eager to see Wolverine and Deadpool share the screen, made it his mission to convince Jackman to come out of retirement. Over the years, Reynolds would tease, cajole, and even publicly plead with Jackman to return as Wolverine, but Jackman stood firm.

That is, until 2022. After years of persistence, Reynolds finally managed to convince Jackman to don the claws once more. The details of how exactly Reynolds succeeded remain a closely guarded secret, but the result was a decision that thrilled fans everywhere. Jackman’s return to the role for Deadpool & Wolverine was announced with much fanfare, and it quickly became one of the most anticipated films of the decade.

In interviews following the announcement, Jackman acknowledged that he had indeed been swayed by Reynolds’ relentless persuasion. He joked that Reynolds “just wouldn’t take no for an answer,” and in the end, the opportunity to work with his friend on such a unique project was too good to pass up. Jackman also revealed that the creative team behind Deadpool & Wolverine had come up with a storyline that intrigued him, one that offered a fresh take on his character while respecting the legacy of Logan.

A Role Reprised: The Impact of Jackman’s Return

When Deadpool & Wolverine finally hit theaters, it was everything fans had hoped for and more. The film blended the irreverent humor of the Deadpool series with the gritty intensity that Jackman had brought to Wolverine for nearly two decades. Critics praised the film for its clever writing, dynamic action scenes, and the undeniable chemistry between Reynolds and Jackman. Audiences were equally enthusiastic, and the movie quickly became the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time, a testament to the enduring popularity of both characters.

For Jackman, returning to the role of Wolverine was both a challenge and a triumph. After years of maintaining a grueling fitness regime for the character, Jackman once again threw himself into the physical preparation required for the role. Reynolds, in an interview with PEOPLE, commented on Jackman’s dedication, noting that his friend had not lost any of the drive or discipline that had made him such a formidable Wolverine. Whether it was mastering the intricate stunt choreography or getting back into peak physical condition, Jackman approached the role with the same intensity as he had in the past.

The success of Deadpool & Wolverine also sparked discussions about what the future might hold for Jackman’s Wolverine. While the actor had been adamant in the past that Logan was his final outing, the overwhelming response to his return led some to speculate that there might be more stories left to tell. Jackman, however, remained coy on the subject, neither confirming nor denying the possibility of future appearances. For now, he was content to let Deadpool & Wolverine stand as a celebration of everything that made his portrayal of Wolverine so beloved.

The Legacy of Wolverine: Beyond the Screen

Hugh Jackman’s journey as Wolverine is more than just a story of one actor’s career; it’s a testament to the power of character and the impact of storytelling. Over the course of 17 years and numerous films, Jackman’s Wolverine became a cultural icon, representing not just the strength and ferocity of a superhero, but also the vulnerability and humanity of a man haunted by his past. Through Jackman’s portrayal, Wolverine became a character that resonated with audiences on a deep emotional level, one that went beyond the typical superhero archetype.

The decision to return to the role after such a definitive ending in Logan was not one that Jackman took lightly. It was a decision informed by the respect he had for the character, the story, and the fans who had supported him throughout his career. In many ways, Deadpool & Wolverine was not just a new chapter in the story of Wolverine, but a celebration of the character’s legacy and the journey that Jackman had taken with him.

Looking back on his career, Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine stands as one of the most enduring performances in the superhero genre. It’s a role that has defined his career and left an indelible mark on popular culture. But more than that, it’s a role that has allowed Jackman to explore complex themes of identity, redemption, and what it means to be a hero. Even as he moves on to new projects and challenges, the legacy of Wolverine will always be a part of who Hugh Jackman is as an actor and as a person.

The Wolverine That Almost Wasn’t

Hugh Jackman’s return as Wolverine in Deadpool & Wolverine is a story that almost didn’t happen. If not for the persistence of Ryan Reynolds, the allure of a creative new storyline, and perhaps a bit of nostalgia, Jackman might have remained retired from the role that made him famous. But in the end, the decision to return was one that brought joy to millions of fans and added a new chapter to the legacy of Wolverine.

The Michael Jackson metaphor that Jackman once used to explain his reluctance to return to the role now seems almost prophetic. Sometimes, the best moments come when you least expect them, and sometimes, it’s worth going back to the party, even when you think it’s over. For Hugh Jackman, the party wasn’t quite done, and his return as Wolverine is a testament to the power of second chances, both in life and in Hollywood.