Hugh Jackman's career as Wolverine comes to a close next week with the release of "Logan," his final appearance as the fan-favorite character he's portrayed in nine films. The actor paused Friday at the film's New York City premiere to reflect on the occasion.

"This is like a dream," he said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "After 17 years, I feel I've met every Wolverine and 'X-Men' fan [in the street]. ... Honestly, these 17 years would not have been possible without you. I love this character, and I love you guys."

RELATED: Logan Director Doesn't Think Wolverine Should Be Re-Cast

Before the screening, "Logan" director James Mangold took some time to hype Jackman's performance to the crowd. "He's good at too many fucking things," he said. "He shows off a shitload in this movie. He's also one of the best men you'll ever get to work with and meet in your life."

Although some fans, to say nothing of Ryan Reynolds, are holding out hope that Jackman might return to the role one more time for a Wolverine/Deadpool team-up, the actor insists he's ready to move on. "God knows how I’ll feel in three years,” he recently said. “But right now, absolutely.”

RELATED: Patrick Stewart is Retiring From X-Men Franchise: "I'm Done"

As for that team-up? "Look, if that movie had appeared 10 years ago, probably a different story," he said this week, "but I knew two and a half years ago that this ['Logan'] was the last one."

Opening March 3, “Logan” is set in the near future, years after the epilogue of 2014’s “X-Men: Days of Future Past.” In it, a weary Logan, whose healing factor is failing, cares for an ailing Professor X in a hideout on the Mexican border. But Logan’s attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are up-ended when a young mutant arrives, pursued by dark forces.

The film stars Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Boyd Holbrook, Richard E. Grant, Dafne Keen and Stephen Merchant.