People criticize but Hugh Jackman and to a slightly lesser degree Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen were the ones that made X-Men a successful franchise. It's also nice to see that these movies are more than just a paycheck to Jackman as (at least from my viewpoint) he appreciates the character and what the role has provided him.
Hugo Weaving and at one point, and still to a certain degree, Chris Evans 'poo pooed' comic book based movies. Jackman has embraced them, enjoying his part in them and recognizing the doors that 'Wolverine' opened.