Hugh Jackman is celebrating the biggest success of his remarkable Hollywood journey with Deadpool & Wolverine, but the intense movie production and relentless publicity tour have left him needing some serious downtime. Let’s break this down and understand why this legendary actor deserves a breather.
Hugh's Monumental Marvel Success
“This is the biggest hit Hugh has ever had, and it’s opened doors for him to make any movie he desires in the near future,” an insider close to the 55-year-old star exclusively told Closer. But let’s be clear—this wasn’t just a walk in the park. “Deadpool & Wolverine took everything Hugh had,” the source added. This film was no small feat, and Hugh gave it his all, both on and off the screen.
The Long Road to Deadpool & Wolverine
The Marvel blockbuster, which also stars Ryan Reynolds, hit theaters on July 26. However, the road to its release was anything but straightforward. The project was in development for years, and when filming began in May 2023, it wasn’t a smooth ride. Production was halted in July due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, only to resume in November and finally wrap up in January 2024.
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According to the source, Hugh “dedicated almost two full years of his life to this movie if you consider the rigorous training, the strike-delayed shoot, and all the marketing efforts he had to take on.” That’s a lot of time and energy, folks, and it’s no wonder Hugh is feeling the effects.
Ryan vs. Hugh: A Tale of Two Superstars
Now, let’s talk about Ryan Reynolds. The source noted that “for Ryan, the promotional stuff comes naturally. That’s why he led those efforts. But for Hugh, especially at 55, keeping up with that pace is a lot harder.” While Ryan might have the energy of the Energizer Bunny, Hugh is human and has limits. After all the hard work put into Deadpool & Wolverine, it’s understandable why you won’t see Hugh jumping into another project right away.
Recharging the Wolverine
“That’s why you’re not seeing him dive into another new project or franchise—or even another movie as Wolverine—just yet,” the source explained. Hugh is spent and needs to recharge his batteries. “Putting it mildly,” the source added. This isn’t just a break—it’s a necessity for one of Hollywood’s greatest talents.
Hugh's Broadway Dreams
With the cash rolling in from the hit film, the Tony Award-winning actor is eager to invest in his Broadway career. A separate source recently told Closer that Hugh is eyeing a stage adaptation of the 2017 musical film The Greatest Showman, where he played the iconic P. T. Barnum.
At the D23 convention last month, it was announced that Disney Theatrical Group is behind the stage adaptation of The Greatest Showman. While Hugh isn’t officially tied to the project yet, the source said it’s “only because he personally hasn’t closed his deal yet.”
From Screen to Stage
“Hugh is certain to be involved as a producer—and possibly a performer, as well—because he is the George Lucas of the Greatest Showman franchise,” the insider noted. Hugh was the driving force behind getting the film made, starring alongside A-list actors Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, and Zendaya.
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The Greatest Showman “was something he initiated that nobody believed in, and it somehow became this massive phenomenon,” the source added. The biographical musical drama could eventually hit Broadway, and Hugh, star of The Music Man, “is very interested in mounting productions on the Great White Way.”
“The good news is that Hugh’s Deadpool & Wolverine windfall will be massive because he gets a profit participation in addition to his eight-figure, up-front salary,” the insider concluded. “And the movie has performed better than any movie in the history of the X-Men franchise.”
