In the world of cinema, it is common for directors and producers to leave small hidden details in their works, whether in the form of nods to their other projects or references to their influences. But for the very own Wolverine to sneak into a musical for all audiences is certainly eye-catching. A particularly curious case that can be found in The Greatest Showman (2017), a film starring Hugh Jackman, famous precisely for portraying the cinematic version of this famous Marvel character.
This nod appears in a clever and subtle way, just at the moment when James Mangold’s name appears on screen. Mangold, who directed Jackman in Logan and The Wolverine, not only played a crucial role in the production of The Greatest Showman as an executive producer, but also left his mark in the end credits in a way that pays homage to his collaboration with Jackman.
A nod with claws
The Greatest Showman, directed by Michael Gracey and starring Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zendaya and Zac Efron, was released in December 2017 and quickly became a musical phenomenon. The film, acclaimed for its soundtrack and visual spectacle, has been criticized for its lack of historical accuracy, but it is undeniable that it managed to capture the audience’s attention. And if you pay attention to its end credits, when James Mangold’s name appears as an executive producer, there is a small but significant nod to Wolverine. If you pause the film at minute 1:37:15, you will notice a peculiar illustration in the upper right corner of the screen. Instead of showing a common design, you will find a figure of Wolverine with crossed arms and a head that instead of a normal face, has the shape of an Easter egg. This detail, although minimalistic, serves as a small tribute to the collaboration between Jackman and Mangold in the X-Men universe.
The connection between Jackman and Mangold
The professional relationship between Hugh Jackman and James Mangold is significant. Mangold directed Jackman in The Wolverine (2013) and Logan (2017), two films that explored the deeper and more human side of the iconic Marvel character. Their collaboration in Logan was especially noteworthy, as the film marked a turning point in the character’s cinematic adventures until his spectacular (and profitable) return in Deadpool and Wolverine.
If you want to see this curious Easter egg for yourself, remember that you can enjoy both The Greatest Showman and all of Hugh Jackman’s adventures as Wolverine on Disney+.
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