In a first-look image of the upcoming Deadpool 3, Hugh Jackman returns to his role as rough and smarmy superhero Wolverine for the first time since 2017. In a nod to both the comic history of the character and the first X-Men film that mocked the idea of Jackman in a comic-accurate outfit (“What, would you prefer yellow spandex?”), Jackman appears in a full-body yellow suit. According to fans, the color and look are a return to the classic Wolverine from the comics.
The only difference? There are sleeves.
Wolverine is well known for showing off his guns, something you can see in nearly all of Jackman’s previous appearances as the superhero. But among the confused fan response, others were quick to point out that the comic-inaccurate costume likely serves an important function: protecting Jackman from the sun.
Since his first diagnosis in 2013, Hugh Jackman has been open about his many run-ins with skin cancer. In the years since, he’s had at least six procedures to remove basal cell carcinoma, a kind of skin cancer which, while not to be taken likely, is generally curable when caught early. His most recent skin cancer scare back in April required a biopsy on the tip of his nose and, thankfully, ended in him receiving the all-clear. But Jackman has made it clear several times that his history makes him very susceptible to skin cancer.
Growing up, Jackman was among the majority of Australians who spent lots of time in the sun and did not wear SPF. “It’s just not worth it,” Jackman said while waiting for his biopsy results. “No matter how much you want to tan, trust me, trust me, trust me. This is all stuff that happened 25 years ago—it’s coming out now.”
These days, Jackman is a huge advocate for sunscreen and sun safety, which is why fans were quick to put two-and-two together when it came to the new and surprising sleeves.
Plymouth, MA dermatologist and spokesperson for The Skin Cancer Foundation, Ramzi Saad, MD notes that keeping yourself safe from UV light should absolutely start with your clothing. “No single sun protection method can protect you perfectly, which is why The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a multi-pronged sun protection strategy,” Dr. Saadd explains. “Clothing is the first line of defense against the sun, providing consistent protection that doesn’t wear off over time or shift depending on the time of day. Don’t forget a hat and UV-blocking sunglasses!”
