Footage of Hugh Jackman surprising fans at a performance of his Broadway show The Music Man with an impromptu impression of his signature character Wolverine has gone viral on social media.
Jackman made nine appearances as the iconic Marvel character over a period spanning 16 years and 228 days. He eventually bowed out of the role in 2017 with the critically acclaimed entry Logan.
Despite saying goodbye to the character that made him a bona fide Hollywood star, Jackman continues to have an affinity with the role, telling interviewer Jake Hamilton last year: "it's still a character I hold close to my heart."
That affection was clear for all to see during a recent performance of The Music Man on Broadway. Jackman is currently starring alongside Sutton Foster in the latest revival of Meredith Willson's classic musical at New York's Winter Garden Theater.
In a video shared to Instagram by audience member Tony Dimes, the Australian star found himself surprised by a token from his X-Men days. It can be viewed here.
According to Dimes' post, back in 2009 he attended the launch of a Wolverine video game at the New York Comic Con where he was given a foam claw matching the ones made famous by the comic book character.
Fast-forward to earlier this month and Dimes said he and a friend had the "genius idea to bring this claw to our front row seats" for The Music Man. Jackman duly spotted the claw and, in the words of Dimes, "made two superfans' year."
In the footage, Jackman can be seen on stage moving toward where Dimes and his friend are sitting. He then reaches out, takes the foam claw and shakes it around before moving to the center of the stage.
The audience cheers with delight - but the best is yet to come. Donning the claw on one hand, Jackman then strikes his iconic Wolverine pose, sending those in attendance into meltdown.
For Dimes, it was the culmination of a night that was everything he could have ever hoped for. "Thank you for a night 18 months in the making that we will never ever forget," he wrote alongside the clip, which drew a similarly delighted response from his followers.
Amozburger wrote: "What an amazing moment! Happy for you and thanks for sharing it with us!" Scdrama7, meanwhile, commented: "He is the best." Peteyweet said: "He is an Aussie treasure, truly the most lovely, genuine guy" while Jivancollection responded: "Man!!!!!!! That's a dream moment right there."
J25bf said: "I love this man so much!" with Dimes' friend, posting as Hvkinc, declaring it the "best night of the year."
The footage was subsequently shared to Reddit by bloodstreamcity where it earned over 31,000 upvotes. Jackman shared the clip to his Instagram account, where the video has already been viewed 3.1 million times. "There's always one!" Jackman wrote alongside the video. "Thanks for coming to the show, mate."
Newsweek has contacted Dimes for comment.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Jack Beresford is a Newsweek Senior Internet Culture & Trends Reporter, based in London, UK. His focus is reporting on ... Read more
