Why Hugh Jackman is ‘hesitant’ to do a movie with Ryan Reynolds

Susannah Guthrie
Jan 05, 2017, updated Jan 05, 2017

Ryan Reynolds (left) is keen to make a Deadpool/Wolverine crossover film with Hugh Jackman (right). Photo: Getty

Comic book fans holding out for a Deadpool-meets-Wolverine crossover film might have to wait until Hugh Jackman makes up his mind — and it could be a while.

Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds has said he’s working to convince Jackman, who has played Wolverine in several X-Men films and spin-offs, to team up for the comic book crossover.

According to Variety, however, Jackman isn’t keen.

“I’m hesitating,” the Australian actor told the magazine.

“Because I could totally see how that’s the perfect fit. But the timing may  be wrong.”

But in an interview with Reynolds release this week, the American star said he will persevere with his persuasion.

“I have no  idea if I can change his mind,” Reynolds said.

“It’s the audience: I would exclusively exploit that relationship to get Hugh back for another one.”

The R-rated Deadpool was the dark horse success of 2016, grossing close to $US800 million ($A1.1 billion) worldwide. A sequel is in the works.

Meanwhile, Wolverine has been an incredibly lucrative character for Marvel Comics, appearing in comic books, video games, X-Men films, standalone films and, most recently, the highly anticipated 2017 spin-off Logan, starring Jackman as an ageing Wolverine.

Sadly, not true. Prisoner 24601 is on a solo mission. https://t.co/5czBmMRfY1

— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) December 28, 2016

Jackman’s hesitation may be due in part to the critical failure of 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, a big-budget flop combining DC Comics’ individually successful characters Batman and Superman.

Watch the trailer for Logan starring Hugh Jackman

If Jackman and Reynolds were to team up it would be the second time they’ve appeared on screen together – they both starred in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

The pair has a playful relationship – Reynolds regularly impersonates Jackman and even crashed his press tour for the 2016 film Eddie the Eagle.