Hugh Jackman, the beloved Australian actor known for his iconic role as Wolverine, is currently facing an onslaught of negative headlines. While the end of his 27-year marriage to Deborra-Lee Furness and his subsequent relationship with Sutton Foster have dominated tabloids, a new wave of bad news is hitting the star. The poor performance of his latest movie, The Death of Robin Hood, combined with reports of his ex-wife’s plans to release explosive memoirs and a documentary, have placed Jackman in an unenviable spotlight.
Professional Setback: 'The Death of Robin Hood' Flops
Jackman's new film, a gritty revisionist take on the Robin Hood legend, has received lackluster reviews and underwhelming box office figures. Released on June 19, the movie holds a mere 43% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and an even lower 32% audience score. In its opening weekend, it grossed only $12 million domestically, well below expectations for a star of Jackman's caliber.
The film’s logline reads: "Grappling with his past after a life of crime and murder, Robin Hood finds himself gravely injured after a battle he thought would be his last. In the hands of a mysterious woman, he is offered a chance at salvation." Despite the intriguing premise, audiences have been unimpressed, citing a slow pace and a lack of the swashbuckling energy typical of the genre.
Competition from family-friendly fare like Toy Story 5 and the enduring popularity of horror hits such as Obsession and Backrooms contributed to the film's struggle. Moreover, the upcoming Supergirl release threatens to further diminish its theatrical run. Industry insiders speculate that the movie may end up as a streaming casualty, failing to recoup its $90 million budget.
Personal Turmoil: Ex-Wife Deborra-Lee Furness Plans Tell-All
On the personal front, Jackman's ex-wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, is reportedly preparing to air their private history. According to sources cited by RadarOnline, Furness still feels "very hurt" and "betrayed" by Jackman, especially regarding his relationship with Foster, which began while he was still married. Furness is said to be ready to "forge ahead with some plans that have been on ice for over a year."
These plans include a tell-all book and a documentary. "A book is step one, but for Deb to justify the big bucks she'll have to lay everything out there, which will likely include Hugh's shady behavior with Sutton and other occasions where he wasn't exactly lily-white," an insider revealed. Rumors of Jackman's infidelity have circulated for years, and Furness reportedly has "hundreds of hours' worth of home video footage" dating back to the couple's earliest days together.
The couple, who were married in 1996 and adopted two children, Oscar and Ava, announced their separation in September 2023. The divorce proceedings have been fraught with tension. There were reports that Jackman sought a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), but Furness "refused to sign it," leaving him "on edge." The source added, "There's a real worry on his side that people will start seeing him as this major love rat who's been conning his fans with a false image. But Deb is done holding back."
Jackman's public image, long cultivated as a wholesome family man and generous philanthropist, now faces serious scrutiny. The actor, who has been a prominent figure in Hollywood for over two decades, may see his reputation tarnished if Furness proceeds with her plans.
Background: A Marriage Under Scrutiny
Jackman and Furness's marriage was often held up as a Hollywood success story. They met on the set of the Australian TV show Correlli in 1995 and married the following year, with Furness older and more established than Jackman. She famously supported his career, including his move to the US and his rise to superstardom through the X-Men franchise. However, cracks began to show after Jackman's reported emotional affair with actress Sutton Foster during their Broadway run in The Music Man (2021-2023).
Foster, a Tony Award-winning actress, has also faced backlash, with some fans branding her a homewrecker. She and Jackman have been publicly dating since early 2024, but sources claim the relationship is under strain. "They're living like passing ships," an insider said, noting that Foster struggles with the negativity surrounding their union.
Furness, on the other hand, has remained largely silent in public, but her reported plans signal a shift. The potential book and documentary could reveal details that might reshape public perception of the divorce.
The 'Love Rat' Label and Jackman's Response
Jackman has yet to comment directly on the latest reports, but his team has dismissed them as "unfounded rumors." Nonetheless, the actor is reportedly deeply concerned. "For Hugh, all this is the ultimate nightmare. He just wants to move on with his life and wishes Deb would stop being so petty. But he's made his bed and now he's going to have to deal with the consequences," said a source close to the family.
The term "love rat" has been used in tabloids, a label that contrasts sharply with Jackman's previous reputation. His philanthropic work, including his role as a global ambassador for World Vision and his own charity the Laughing Man Foundation, had earned him widespread admiration. Now, those accomplishments are overshadowed by legal and personal battles.
Career Implications and Future Projects
The negative press is not confined to Jackman's personal life; it is bleeding into his professional endeavors. The failure of The Death of Robin Hood could hurt his box office draw, a concern for studios investing in his future projects. Jackman is set to reprise his Wolverine role in the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine film, which is eagerly anticipated by fans. However, if the personal drama continues to dominate headlines, it might distract from his onscreen work.
Additionally, Jackman has a few other projects in development, including a drama series for HBO and a musical adaptation of The Boy from Oz. The timing of the negative news is particularly unfortunate, as he was aiming for a career resurgence after a brief hiatus.
Industry analysts note that while star power can survive controversy, sustained negative coverage often leads to diminished opportunities. For Jackman, a public relations crisis of this magnitude could redefine his legacy if not managed carefully.
Will audiences separate the art from the artist? The coming months will reveal whether Jackman can weather this storm or if the combination of a flop movie and a vindictive ex-wife will permanently damage the image he built over almost three decades in the spotlight.
Source: MSN News