Though he later changed his mind for Deadpool & Wolverine, Hugh Jackman retired from playing the role after 2017’s Logan.

Deadpool & Wolverine marks the long-awaited return of Hugh Jackman as the fan-favorite character Logan in the Marvel Cinematic Universe blockbuster. While he loves playing the role, Jackman admits retirement was necessary as portraying Wolverine was “hurting” him.

Speaking with People Magazine, Jackman opened up about the toll playing Wolverine had on him after playing the character for nearly two decades before his last performance in 2017’s Logan. Though he became a bigger household name thanks to his time as the no-nonsense, claw-wielding mutant, Jackman reveals he had struggled with the physical demands of playing Wolverine since 2000’s X-Men and felt he needed time away to rejuvenate himself. “I had got to the point probably 10 years ago I was like, I’m not enjoying it. It was hurting. It was tough,” he said.

Though retiring was a necessity for Jackman at the time due to the wear and tear on his body, the award-winning actor has repeatedly expressed his regret for leaving the role. Thanks to Deadpool & Wolverine co-star and friend, Ryan Reynolds, Jackman eventually made a career U-turn, opting to return to his role in 2022, changing the MCU film’s trajectory. Jackman feels the energy to play Wolverine again, saying “I’ve had a break, and I’ve been doing a lot of dance. I’ve been doing stage shows. And so when I came back to it, it was really fun.”

Fan Demand Was High For Wolverine’s Return

Jackman not only wanted to return to play Wolverine given how synonymous he was with the character, but he knew fan demand for his comeback was high. He said yes to Deadpool & Wolverinedespite concerns raised by Marvel president Kevin Feige, who worried his return would undermine how Logan ended. As Wolverine, Jackman will team up with Reynolds’ “Merc With a Mouth” as they’re summoned by the Time Variance Authority for a potentially game-changing mission that could forever alter the Multiverse.

Deadpool & Wolverine will be the first R-rated movie in MCU history, with Jackman’s character in full-fledged sailor mouth mode, as illustrated by previews of the Phase Five tentpole. The upcoming Shawn Levy-helmed effort sees Jackman and Reynolds feature alongside Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Karan Soni, Jennifer Garner and Brianna Hildebrand, with multiple celebrity cameos and X-Men character reveals expected in the film.

Jackman’s return is one of the reasons Deadpool & Wolverine is regarded as 2024’s most anticipated film, with its trailer becoming the most-viewed in MCU history. The blockbuster also set first-day ticket sales records, with fans eager to see what the lone MCU movie of 2024 offers.

Deadpool & Wolverine opens in theaters on Jul. 26.