James Marsden Shares How Much He Missed Hugh Jackman During ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Filming

James Marsden is navigating the waters of promotion carefully regarding the upcoming release of Avengers: Doomsday, slated to hit theaters later this year.

The Marvel film will see Marsden reunite with former X-Men co-stars, including Patrick Stewart (Charles Xavier/Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler), and Rebecca Romijn (Mystique).

However, one prominent absence from the cast announcement was Hugh Jackman, leading to speculation about his participation in the film.

While promoting his new film Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice, Marsden shared his thoughts about Jackman’s potential comeback in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Watch on Deadline

“I love Hugh Jackman, and I love the dynamic between Wolverine and Cyclops,” Marsden remarked in an interview with ComicBook. “It was always a brotherly, healthy competition between the two of them, where they were annoyed with each other. It did feel like a brotherly relationship. I wouldn’t say that I was excited to slide into that role without him barking in my ear. He was missed. I’m trying to… answer, without saying too much… Yeah, that’s my answer.”

While Jackman has not been officially confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday, his absence would be surprising given his return as Wolverine in the forthcoming Deadpool & Wolverine set for release in 2024.

Regarding his own return to the superhero genre, Marsden noted that it initiated with a “conversation” about his role, adding, “And in that conversation, we talked about what my involvement would be and everything, but I hadn’t actually read the script yet. So that was something like, yeah, sure, yes, of course.”