A jacket donated by X-Men's Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) is being auctioned off for the Actor’s Fund. Jackman has appeared as Logan aka Wolverine ten times (including cameos) in Fox’s X-Men franchise, beginning with 2000’s X-Men—which can be largely accredited with altering the 21st-century evolution of comic book movies. Jackman’s adamantium-wielding mutant is arguably the most revered portrayal in superhero cinema.
In addition to Wolverine's claws and mutton chops, a leather jacket has been a staple of his look. Similar to the accessory’s historic association with outlaw bikers, a leather jacket matches the character’s sardonic swagger (whether or not he’s riding a motorcycle). This particular fashion statement became so iconic that X-Men Origins: Wolverine even gave it a backstory; given to him by an elderly man who takes him in during a complicated period.
According to Deadline, Christine Baranski (The Good Fight) is collaborating with the Actor’s Fund and Doyle Auctioneers & Appraisers, putting a plethora of movie memorabilia up for sale. Among the items are a banjo signed by Steve Martin, a pair of Elton John’s glasses, a Downton Abbey screenplay (signed by the cast), and a Wolverine jacket straight from the closet of Jackman himself.
Proceeds from Doyle’s entire Stage & Screen auction will benefit the Actor’s Fund, a charitable organization that supports workers in performing arts and entertainment (helping more than 17,000 people each year). That said, Jackman’s jacket—presumably a brown one with the orange/yellow stripes—should go for a pretty penny. With Jackman retiring his claws following 2017’s Logan, everything about his X-Men character has become iconic, even discussions surrounding a potential reprisal.
Disney’s 2019 acquisition of 20th Century Fox means most of their X-Men will be recast when they’re inevitably implemented into Marvel Cinematic Universe (except for Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool). Before its reveal as merely an Easter egg, many thought Evan Peter’s WandaVision role was a sign of this. Regardless, fan-casting Wolverine for the MCU has been a regular occurrence, including big names like Keanu Reeves, Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill, and Jon Bernthal. However, Marvel Studios’ president, Kevin Feige recently shut down rumors surrounding the character’s recasting (even though he’s apparently talked with Patrick Stewart about reprising his role as Professor X). Unless Jackman returns to the role, it’ll probably be a long time before we see another Wolverine. Until then, it would seem all one needs deep pockets to feel like the next Wolverine—the Actor's Fund auction is set to take place on Wednesday, April 28.
Source: Deadline