Logan features Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and Patrick Stewart as Professor X for the last time. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Since Wolverine "dies" around six times in the comic books, Jackman, 48, says the character can be played by anyone from any race or of any age.

"For the role, I believe fans and actors should also have 110 percent passion," he says. "That's why I made the decision."

Media have speculated that his age and health were the reasons behind his decision.

But the Tony Award winner has said he was looking for the best way to say goodbye to the role, which he has played for the past 17 years.

Logan, which purposely doesn't use Wolverine or X-Men in the title, is a mix of genres, such as adventure, western and noir.

Set in a futuristic world where most of the mutant characters die, an aging Wolverine and Professor Charles Xavier (played by English actor Stewart) are seen struggling in a deserted location along the United States' border with Mexico.