Finally! This is a BIG Geek moment twenty-something years in the making. In a moment that fans have been eagerly awaiting for years, multi-hyphenate star Hugh Jackman has finally put on Wolverine’s classic yellow spandex costume for the first time.
Jackman and co-star Ryan Reynolds shared a first-look photo from Deadpool 3 on Twitter this morning, unveiling the iconic costume that had been teased and joked about throughout the X-Men film franchise. This long-awaited moment marks a significant milestone for fans and signifies Jackman’s return to the role that made him a superhero icon.
The yellow costume has been a staple of Wolverine’s comic book appearance and was popularized by the ’90s animated series. However, it became a running joke within the X-Men films. In the original 2000 film, Wolverine expresses his disdain for the black leather suits worn by the team, leading Cyclops to quip, “What would you prefer, yellow spandex?” Although a deleted scene in 2013’s The Wolverine briefly showcased Logan receiving the yellow suit in a briefcase, he never actually dons it.
X-Men producer Ralph Winter discussed the yellow spandex joke from the 2000 film, explaining that it was intended to acknowledge fan preferences. The joke was directed at the fans, acknowledging their desire to see the characters in their traditional garb. Winter explained that while the films aimed to please the fans, they also needed to reach a wider audience to justify the budget. Now, with Jackman finally wearing the iconic costume, it’s a testament to the filmmakers’ understanding of fan expectations.
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Jackman had previously retired from his role as Wolverine after the critically acclaimed 2017 film, Logan. His return to the character is a momentous occasion for fans who have longed to see him in the yellow spandex. Jackman and Reynolds previously appeared together in the ill-fated 2009 film, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, which marked the first time Reynolds portrayed Deadpool. Their reunion in Deadpool 3 is highly anticipated by fans.
Directed by Shawn Levy, Deadpool 3 promises to be a groundbreaking addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film is rumored to explore the multiverse, with Deadpool being the first character from the 20th Century Fox stable to star in his own movie following Disney’s acquisition of the studio. The casting of Jennifer Garner reprising her role as Elektra from the Fox features adds another exciting element to the film.
As Deadpool 3 explores the multiverse and brings together beloved characters from different eras, fans eagerly anticipate the release of the film on May 3, 2024. It’s a celebration of Hugh Jackman’s legacy as Wolverine and the enduring popularity of the beloved X-Men franchise.
The Geek is a working screenwriter, director and screenwriting instructor.
