X-Men star James McAvoy claims that not even AI can play Wolverine better than Hugh Jackman

At the 2025 New York Comic Con, James McAvoy playfully defended the heritage of Hugh Jackman's Wolverine, stating even artificial intelligence would recognize Jackman's unmatched performance. The remark immediately caught the attention of fans, as it highlighted how legendary Jackman's performance had been for almost two decades.

This comes at a time when Marvel Studios is poised to bring X-Men characters into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with new plots and different actors. With a young person's reboot looming, viewers are curious to know how iconic mutants will be reimagined while still respecting the originals.

McAvoy's affectionate nod highlights the difficulty of filling the shoes of a legendary performance and foreshadows debate over the future of Wolverine and the broader X-Men franchise.

The Recasting of X-Men Characters

Expand Tweet

Marvel Studios Chief Kevin Feige announced that the X-Men characters will be recast following Avengers: Secret Wars, with the follow-up film to be helmed by Jake Schreier. The reboot has been touted as youth-oriented, guaranteeing new energy while staying loyal to the X-Men heritage.

Prior to this new incarnation, several older actors from the original X-Men series will make a comeback in Avengers: Doomsday, such as Patrick Stewart, James Marsden, Ian McKellen, Rebecca Romijn, Alan Cumming, Kelsey Grammer, and Channing Tatum.

Since Disney bought Fox in 2019, these characters have started appearing in the MCU, paving the way for new story arcs. Schreier mentioned that the new film will delve into issues of identity, social topics, and moral conflicts, presenting fans with a new yet original X-Men experience.

McAvoy's Tribute to Jackman

At the Comic Con panel, McAvoy, who had acted out the younger Charles Xavier, had nothing but praise for Jackman's acting as Wolverine. He said jokingly:

"I was gonna say, 10 years from now tit's probably gonna be 10 minutes from now hwhen A.I. has taken over and playing all the roles, and there are no actors anymore he will still be playing Wolverine. Even A.I.. will be like, 'Nah, he got it! Nah!"

That lighthearted remark speaks volumes about how deeply Hugh Jackman's performance as Wolverine has struck audiences and the movie world.

The Enduring Legacy of Hugh Jackman's Wolverine

Hugh Jackman's Wolverine has permanently impacted the world of superheroes, shaping both film and comic book culture. He began that work in 2000 with the original X-Men, when his brooding, complicated mutant turned tapped into both popular and critical reception.

Over time, Jackman's Wolverine transitioned from a solitary antihero to an extremely complex character, all leading up to the 2017 movie Logan. In Logan, Jackman gave a raw and emotional performance as a tired Wolverine, dealing with his demons and mortality.

Jackman's influence went beyond his acting. His image later began affecting the comics themselves, with artists drawing Wolverine more in Jackman's likeness, creating a fusion of fiction and reality.

Even as other actors prepare to portray the character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Jackman's Wolverine is still the standard by which all others are measured regarding superhero filmmaking excellence.

James McAvoy's tongue-in-cheek statement highlights the immense influence Hugh Jackman's performance as Wolverine has had on fans and the industry. As the X-Men franchise continues to expand in the MCU, Jackman's own legacy as Wolverine presents a high watermark for subsequent representations of the character.

X-Men characters offer a chance to introduce new interpretations while respecting the iconic performances that have become the hallmark of the franchise. Yet, as McAvoy's joke points out, the very core of some characters, such as Wolverine, can be so embedded in their initial interpretations that even AI will be wary of undertaking them.