I can’t imagine anyone else ever playing Wolverine. It’s Hugh Jackman’s character, and while it will inevitably live on once he hangs up the claws, he wants to make sure he does right by the character. He genuinely loves the little mutant, and wants to make sure his final outing, Wolverine 3, sends him out on a high note (thanks to X-Men: Origins, he knows what the nadir looks like).


Steve caught up with Jackman at Sundance before the secret screening of his new film Eddie the Eagle, where he plays an Olympic skiing coach to an aspiring ski jumper played by Taron Egerton. During their conversation, Steve asked for an update on the screenplay, which we last heard was about the father/son relationship between Logan and Professor X:

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Image via Hugh Jackman

HUGH JACKMAN: We have a script. A full script. To tell you, two days ago I got that the full finished—well, it’s not finished, but we’re getting super close—as you can see by the rate of my facial hair. That might give you a good clue that perhaps…yeah, it’s sooner rather than later.

 

TARON EGERTON: Also, the pecs are expanding as well.

 

JACKMAN: I have had six meals today already.

So after Wolverine 3 if you’re ever hoping against hope that Jackman returns to the role, keep a weather eye on his facial hair and pectoral muscles.

Steve also asked when and where they’ll start filming, and the actor responded:


JACKMAN: I don’t have a firm date yet. My thing and I’ve told you and I’ve told everyone, it’s my last one, for me I want it to be perfect, so the moment I know it’s perfect, bang, we’ll go.

Personally, I’m curious to know how Wolverine 3 relates to the new timeline that X-Men: Apocalypse is establishing. Keep in mind that The Wolverine no longer exists because Jean Grey is still alive, and therefore Logan wouldn’t be mourning her death, etc.

Wolverine 3 is currently slated for March 3, 2017.

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Image via 20th Century Fox