At this year’s New York Comic Con, X-Men fans were treated to an unexpected moment of sincerity that left the crowd buzzing. James McAvoy, the beloved actor who portrayed a younger Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film series, delivered a heartfelt compliment to Hugh Jackman — and it might just be one of the most touching tributes the Australian star has ever received.

During a Q&A panel that also featured actor Elliot Page, McAvoy was asked a question that has long divided Marvel fans: “Who could possibly replace Hugh Jackman as Wolverine?” Without missing a beat, McAvoy shook his head and replied, “He’s the only one. Even AI would say, ‘No, he did it!’”

The crowd erupted into laughter and applause, but McAvoy’s expression told a different story — it wasn’t just a playful jab at Hollywood’s current obsession with artificial intelligence and reboots. It was a statement of genuine admiration, a rare acknowledgment between two actors who helped shape one of the most iconic superhero franchises in modern cinema.

Jackman, of course, has embodied Wolverine for over two decades, debuting in X-Men (2000) and appearing in nine films across multiple timelines and spin-offs. His final solo outing in Logan (2017) is often hailed as one of the most emotionally powerful performances ever delivered in a superhero film. Many fans still consider that role the perfect farewell — a cinematic ending so complete that even Jackman himself hesitated for years before agreeing to return in Deadpool 3.

McAvoy’s comment struck a chord precisely because it encapsulated what so many fans feel: that Jackman didn’t just play Wolverine — he became him. From the gruff demeanor to the wounded humanity behind the claws, Jackman’s portrayal transcended the comic book archetype and turned Wolverine into a pop culture legend.

Throughout the panel, McAvoy’s humor and humility were on full display, but when speaking about Jackman, his tone shifted. “It’s one of those performances that defines an era,” he added. “There’s something about Hugh — his commitment, his discipline, his heart — that no one can replicate. You can put anyone in the costume, but you can’t recreate that energy.”

Elliot Page, who appeared alongside both actors in X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), nodded in agreement. “Hugh was always incredibly generous on set,” Page chimed in. “He made everyone feel like part of a team, no matter how big or small their role was. You don’t forget that kind of leadership.”

Fans attending the convention took to social media almost instantly to praise McAvoy for his honesty. One viral tweet read: “McAvoy just said what we’ve all been thinking — Hugh Jackman is irreplaceable. Period.” Another fan commented, “Even AI couldn’t generate a better Wolverine than Hugh.”

The timing of McAvoy’s remarks was particularly striking, as Marvel Studios continues to expand its multiverse and introduce new versions of classic heroes. Speculation about who might inherit the Wolverine mantle has been swirling for years, with names like Taron Egerton and Karl Urban frequently mentioned. But McAvoy’s words served as a reminder that sometimes, lightning only strikes once.

As the panel wrapped up, McAvoy smiled and said, “If someone has to do it someday, I just hope they bring the same level of love and pain that Hugh brought to it. Because that’s what made Wolverine human.”

It was a moment that perfectly captured what makes comic conventions so special — a space where actors, fans, and creators come together not just to celebrate stories, but to honor the people who bring them to life.

And in that shared respect, one thing became clear: in the hearts of fans and fellow actors alike, Hugh Jackman isn’t just the Wolverine — he’s the only one.