2017's Logan was originally envisioned as a swansong for Hugh Jackman's take on the iconic X-Men hero, so the news that the actor was set to reprise the role for Deadpool 3 came as quite a surprise.
While some were excited at the prospect of Jackman returning for a team-up with Ryan Reynolds' Merc with a Mouth, others felt that Logan served as a perfect send-off for the character, and were concerned that bringing the clawed mutant back might "tarnish" his emotional farewell.
Director James Mangold has previously made it clear that he had no issue with Marvel Studios utilizing Wolverine for the Deadpool threequel since it was set before the events of his movie, but during a new interview with Variety, he admitted to being a little apprehensive.
"I can't say that there's a part of me that doesn't wish that we'd let it be," Mangold said. "But there was always going to be another Wolverine. There could be a baby Wolverine and a cartoon Wolverine. As much liquid as they can squeeze out of that rag, they're going to try to. I don't measure my success on a movie like Logan with whether we ended the conversation. I ended my conversation."
Though plot details are still under wraps, Wolvie and Wade are expected to find themselves (trapped?) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (possibly facilitated by Loki's TVA), which begs the question: will Jackman remain on board as the MCU's version of the fan-favorite mutant, or will his return be a "one and done?"
Jackman was asked that very question during a recent interview with the Empire Podcast, and while his response was non-committal, it certainly sounds like he'd be open to the possibility of sticking around.
"I imagine every movie as a one and done, that's how I see it," he said. "I'll be honest, I had a two picture deal at the beginning, but I still assumed it was a one and done. You know, back then there were no comic book movies, so I just take it one at a time. I’m lucky that way, I don't have to think beyond that, but I think it's the best way to go."
We assume another actor will take over as Wolverine at some point, but Jackman might well stick around for a while longer after Deadpool 3.