In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping Hollywood, one actor has just reminded everyone that there are some legends technology will never be able to replicate. Speaking in a recent interview during a press event in London, James McAvoy — known for his portrayal of Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men franchise — made a heartfelt and humorous statement about his longtime co-star Hugh Jackman, calling him “irreplaceable” and “the soul of Wolverine.”

McAvoy’s words have since gone viral, sparking a wave of nostalgia and admiration among fans of the X-Men films. When asked about the growing trend of AI-generated performances and the future of human actors, McAvoy responded with a smirk:

“When AI has taken over and done all the roles, and there are no more actors, Hugh Jackman will still be there, playing Wolverine. Even AI will say, ‘I can’t do it.’”

The comment drew laughter from the audience, but behind the humor lay a profound truth. For more than two decades, Hugh Jackman has embodied the iconic Marvel character Wolverine — a role that has become synonymous with his name. From his first appearance in X-Men (2000) to his emotional farewell in Logan (2017), Jackman’s portrayal of the fierce, haunted mutant with unbreakable claws has left an indelible mark on cinema history.

McAvoy went on to describe Jackman’s incredible dedication to his craft:

“He’s one of those actors who doesn’t just play a character — he becomes it. The intensity, the vulnerability, the heart — it’s all real. You can’t teach that, and you definitely can’t program it.”

Fans and critics have long agreed. Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine was not just about muscles, growls, and claws — it was about pain, redemption, and humanity. His ability to balance brutal strength with deep emotional complexity made Logan a character who transcended the superhero genre.

What makes McAvoy’s comments even more timely is Hollywood’s ongoing debate about AI in filmmaking. In recent months, studios have begun experimenting with artificial intelligence to digitally recreate actors, resurrect characters, and even generate entire scenes. But McAvoy’s words serve as a powerful reminder that emotion cannot be replicated by code.

Social media quickly lit up after the clip of McAvoy’s interview surfaced. Fans flooded comment sections with messages of agreement and love for Jackman. One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “He’s right. No one can replace Hugh. Wolverine IS Hugh Jackman.” Another said, “AI can copy a face, a voice, but it can’t copy a soul. That’s why Hugh will always be Wolverine.”

Hugh Jackman himself has not yet publicly responded to McAvoy’s comments, but those close to the actor say he would likely be “humbled and amused” by the praise. Known for his humility and warmth, Jackman has always credited the X-Men franchise — and the fans — for shaping his career.

Interestingly, Jackman is set to reprise his legendary role once again in Marvel’s upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine, alongside Ryan Reynolds. The film, one of the most anticipated releases of the decade, will mark the first time Wolverine officially enters the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Fans are already buzzing with excitement, calling it “the comeback of the century.”

McAvoy’s statement only adds to that anticipation. His admiration for Jackman is not just professional — it’s deeply personal. “I’ve learned so much from him,” McAvoy added. “Not just about acting, but about kindness, discipline, and respect for everyone on set. He’s a leader, but he’s never above anyone. That’s why people love him — both as Wolverine and as a human being.”

As technology continues to blur the line between reality and simulation, one thing remains clear: some performances are untouchable. Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine isn’t just a role — it’s a legacy written in cinematic history, one that no algorithm or digital clone could ever truly recreate.

In a world increasingly fascinated by AI’s potential, McAvoy’s comment cuts to the heart of what makes acting an art form: human emotion. The rage, the sorrow, the quiet resilience — those are things that come from the heart, not a hard drive.

And so, as McAvoy so perfectly put it:

“When AI has done all the roles, and the world is run by machines, Hugh Jackman will still be standing there — claws out, unbreakable, irreplaceable.”