Attendees at CinemaCon were treated to a sneak peek of Hugh Jackman's full Wolverine attire in the promotional materials for Deadpool & Wolverine. Surprisingly, this reveal came in the form of collectible cups.
The announcement of Jackman's involvement in Deadpool 3 back in September 2022 delighted fans, especially with the prospect of him teaming up with his friend Ryan Reynolds, who portrays the Merc with a Mouth. In July 2023, the X-Men star delighted his followers by sharing a picture from the set, showcasing him in his iconic black and yellow Wolverine costume alongside Reynolds in full Deadpool gear. However, Jackman's face was exposed in the image, lacking his signature mask, which stirred excitement as it marked his return as Wolverine after retiring the character in 2015. Despite previously stating that 2017's Logan would be his final portrayal of the superhero, Jackman surprises fans by reprising his role as James 'Jimmy' Howlett, a.k.a. Logan, in Deadpool & Wolverine, with recently released images from CinemaCon in Las Vegas finally revealing him in full Wolverine attire, complete with his mask.
The Movie Podcast shared a snapshot and video of a collectible cup adorned with promotional art from the event on X, formerly Twitter. Emblazoned with Jackman in his complete Wolverine ensemble — mask and visible claws ready for action — the cup was a highlight throughout the event. The opposite side of the cup featured Deadpool striking his iconic pose. Fans can look forward to the unveiling of Funko POPS for Deadpool & Wolverine soon.
Additional artwork at a CinemaCon photo booth, as revealed by The Hollywood Reporter via X, provided a closer look at Wolverine's mask and a slight modification to his costume for a more comic-accurate portrayal, notably the metal casing around his claws.
The online post from The Movie Podcast garnered a flurry of responses from fans, expressing their enthusiasm for the upcoming movie. Many expressed interest in purchasing the collectible cup, with one fan even stating, 'This cup is a must-have.' Another fan praised the updated costume design for Wolverine, specifically noting the claws' relocation to the knuckles instead of in-between the fingers. A different user likened the depiction to a cartoon character brought to life. Meanwhile, another fan remained cautiously optimistic, remarking:
The leaked images of the collectible cups from the event provided an unexpected treat for fans, as sneak peeks of Deadpool & Wolverine content are rare due to strict photography restrictions at such events. Fans are eager to see Jackman don the mask during key scenes, enhancing Wolverine's iconic persona and aligning with the character's comic book representation. Unlike previous iterations where Jackman's Wolverine went unmasked, this new portrayal may offer fans a more authentic and recognizable depiction of the beloved character.
Wolverine's mask serves as a crucial symbol for the character, aiding in concealing his identity and safeguarding his face during combat. Given his heightened senses and vulnerable past, the mask plays a pivotal role in preserving his anonymity and shielding him from potential threats seeking to exploit his identity. Additionally, Wolverine's internal struggles with violence and his haunting history are mirrored in the emotional barriers symbolized by his mask, shielding him from emotional exposure and maintaining a facade of strength.
Deadpool 3 is set to hit theaters on July 26, 2024.
Source: The Movie Podcast @ CinemaCon/Twitter