If you’d told a Broadway fan five years ago that Wolverine and the star of Younger would be the biggest "it" couple of 2026, they might have laughed you out of the theater. But here we are. Hugh Jackman dating now isn't just a rumor anymore; it is a full-blown, PDA-packed reality that has rewritten the script on his post-divorce life.
The guy we all knew as one half of a "bulletproof" 27-year marriage is currently navigating a very different world. Honestly, the shift from his long-term partnership with Deborra-Lee Furness to his current flame, Sutton Foster, has been anything but quiet.
The New Year’s Confirmation in Costa Rica
The internet basically melted during the first week of January 2026. Why? Because photos surfaced of Hugh and Sutton looking incredibly cozy in Costa Rica. We aren’t talking about a "just friends" dinner. They were seen sharing a sunset swim, holding hands in the surf, and looking like two teenagers on their first summer break.
Hugh, now 57, and Sutton, 50, seem to be leaning into the "living out loud" phase of their relationship. After years of keeping things strictly professional—or at least appearing to—they’ve stopped hiding.
Reports from New Idea and PerthNow suggest this trip wasn't just a vacation. There are heavy whispers that Hugh might have even popped the question over the new year break. One insider claimed he got down on one knee and she’s now in possession of a diamond solitaire. While we haven't seen a formal announcement on Instagram yet, the vibe is definitely "moving fast."
How Did We Get Here? (The Music Man Factor)
The foundation of this romance wasn't built in Hollywood. It was built in the trenches of 44th Street. Back in 2021, the two were cast as the leads in the Broadway revival of The Music Man.
They spent years together.
Rehearsals.
Eight shows a week.
The chemistry was palpable.
Back then, they were both still married—Hugh to Deborra-Lee and Sutton to screenwriter Ted Griffin. Fans noticed the "gushy" social media posts and the way they looked at each other during the Tony Awards, but everyone assumed it was just theater-kid energy.
Turns out, it was more.
By September 2023, Hugh and Deb announced their split. By October 2024, Sutton filed for divorce from Ted. The timeline is, well, tight. Us Weekly has even cited sources claiming the relationship between the two co-stars was the actual catalyst for Hugh’s divorce. Whether that’s 100% true or just tabloid fodder, the "overlap" rumors haven't exactly gone away.
The Challenges: Exes, Fame, and "Work Hubbies"
It isn't all sunsets and tropical drinks, though. Transitioning into a high-profile relationship after nearly three decades of marriage is messy.
1. The Deborra-Lee Tension
Word on the street is that Deborra-Lee Furness isn't exactly thrilled with the "Hugh and Sutton snog show," as some Aussie outlets have called it. Reports suggest she felt "blindsided" by the speed of it all. There was a notable moment where Deb "liked" an Instagram post alleging that Hugh had been "up to no good" with a mistress. That’s about as close to a public call-out as you get in the world of A-list diplomacy.
2. The Sutton Foster "Pressure"
Sutton is a Broadway legend—two Tonys don't happen by accident. But Hugh Jackman is a global supernova. Recent reports from the National Enquirer claim Sutton is struggling a bit with the "pressure cooker" of Hugh's level of fame. It’s one thing to be a star in the theater world; it’s another to have your every beach stroll analyzed by millions.
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3. The Kate Hudson Rumors
Because Hollywood loves a subplot, rumors also swirled about Hugh’s chemistry with his Song Sung Blue co-star, Kate Hudson. Hudson even called him her "work hubby." Apparently, this didn't sit well with Sutton, leading to some reported "jealousy" issues. However, the Costa Rica trip seems to have put most of those "trouble in paradise" rumors to bed.
What’s Next for the Couple?
If the rumors are true, 2026 is going to be a massive year for them. Here is what we know about their plans:
- The Wedding: There is a "significant window" in late 2026 being cleared in Hugh's schedule. Insiders say they want a small, intimate ceremony, possibly in late spring or early summer.
- The Move: They are reportedly house hunting in Bedford, New York, looking for a shared home to blend their lives.
- The Kids: Both have adopted children from their previous marriages, and there have even been whispers about them looking into adoption together.
Hugh Jackman Dating Now: The Real Takeaway
Basically, Hugh is done being the "perfect" husband of thirty years and is trying on a new life. It’s a bit jarring for fans who saw him and Deb as the ultimate goal, but humans change.
Sutton Foster seems to bring out a lighter, more "theater-geek" side of him that we haven't seen in a long time. They are two performers who truly understand the grind of the stage.
What you should do next:
If you're following this saga, keep an eye on Hugh’s Instagram around May or June. If a wedding is happening, that's when the "official" soft-launches of the ring will likely happen. Also, watch the red carpet for his next project—how they interact there will tell you everything you need to know about whether the "fame pressure" is actually getting to Sutton or if they've found their groove.
The legal hurdles for Sutton’s divorce are still being cleared in New York courts, so until that "dark cloud" is gone, don't expect a save-the-date in the mail just yet.
Practical Next Steps for Fans:
- Follow Sutton Foster on Instagram: She tends to post the more "real" glimpses of their life together, like their nights at NYC pubs.
- Check the Broadway boards: Hugh is returning to the stage for a series of concerts titled From New York, with Love at Radio City Music Hall. Expect Sutton to be in the front row.
- Ignore the "Betrayal" clickbait: Unless Deborra-Lee gives a sit-down interview, the "affair" details are mostly speculation and "likes" on social media. Focus on the current timeline.