'Logan' Director James Mangold Discussed Hugh Jackman's Potential Return as Wolverine

Director James Mangold knows that in comics, superheroes rarely stay dead for long. Fans always want more, and creators want to play with beloved characters, even those that are inconveniently deceased. Part of what drew him to co-write and direct Logan, , was a sense of finalityit would be Hugh Jackmans last time playing Wolverine, and the X-man would get an appropriately conclusive last ride, even if he inevitably returned played by another actor.

Of course, that hasnt stopped fans from clamoring for more Jackman-as-Wolverine. Thats something Mangold does see in the cards, , I'd be startled that Hugh was strapping it on again." He compares the idea to rumors of Robert Downey, Jr., returning as Iron Man to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It could happen, but he hopes it would be in service of a good story and not just a cash grab.

What I'd be curious about if any one of these things happened would be, what are they doing with it? . Meaning, I would have no qualm about it if someone had a good idea. If it's basically, 'I ran out of money and I needed a big paycheck, and I'm doing an empty film that cheapens the quality of the previous.' Well, that would be its own sadness."

The reality is that, if you have a good idea for a character, then there's nothing wrong with doing anything," . "I don't make these rules. For me, I'm always just asking that someone do something imaginative that doesn't just seem like you're taking all these assets and throwing them on a screen again, just to make dough.

Neither Jackman nor Downey strictly need the dough theyd make reprising their respective heroes, but that doesnt mean the Marvel machine couldnt make it happen. Mangold just wants that machine to prioritize compelling stories over billions and billions of dollars. Hell likely have more to say about Logan during the happening May 27.