Hugh Jackman, who will return to reprise the legendary character of Logan, a.k.a. Wolverine, in Deadpool 3, has confirmed that there will be time travel in the film. Deadpool 3 will be a flashback while the X-Men will get new viewpoints in later phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Jackman is making a comeback to the comic book genre after quitting his Wolverine character following the 2017 film Logan. He and Ryan Reynolds made the unexpected revelation that the two Marvel legends will appear together in the Deadpool threequel earlier this autumn. Wade Wilson will also formally join the bigger MCU with Deadpool 3 as a result of Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox.
Deadpool 3 won’t hit theatres until November 2024, but Jackman has already given away a key plot aspect. When asked to join the Deadpool sequel this autumn, Jackman discussed the process during an appearance on Sirius XM. The Australian actor confirms that there will be some degree of time travel in Deadpool 3 without giving away too many details. It was crucial, in Jackman’s opinion, that the conclusion of Logan not be altered by his return as Wolverine. Jackman said that it wasn’t just important for him, but likely also for the fans, saying the following:
But all because of this device they have in the Marvel world of moving around timelines, now we can go back because, you know, it’s science. And so I don’t have to screw with the Logan timeline, which was important to me, and I think probably to the fans too.
What the MCU Debut of Wolverine Indicates
Everyone has been wondering about how they will really bring the character back ever since Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman said they would be returning for Deadpool 3. One of Logan’s most admirable qualities was the way it gave Wolverine’s nearly two-decade-long storyline in the X-Men films a triumphant conclusion. It makes sense that Jackman would only return if doing so would allow them to stick with how Logan wrapped up the character’s saga. The two most common hypotheses for Wolverine’s return were time travel or another reality.
Deadpool 3’s use of time travel as a story device creates a number of plausible outcomes. One possibility is that Deadpool may go back in time and interact with a younger Wolverine before the latter’s terrible demise in Logan. This would make sense to carry out before Wade joins the MCU when he is still a part of the original X-Men film world. Another idea, which would be a surprise, is that after joining the MCU, Deadpool will go back in time and meet the Wolverine from Earth-616. As a result, Jackman would be able to portray Wolverine for a number of years in the MCU before reprising his role as Logan with different Marvel characters.
Of course, Deadpool 3 might employ time travel in a variety of creative ways to include Wolverine in the narrative. It is still unclear if this will be Jackman’s final performance as Wolverine. She-Easter Hulk’s egg referencing Wolverine appearing in the MCU may have been done on purpose for Jackman’s benefit if he wants to be a long-term member of the MCU, though. Time will tell what is happening with Wolverine’s time travel trip because Deadpool 3 is most likely scheduled to begin production in 2023.