Hollywood star Hugh Jackman is counting on Australia’s detachment from the British crown. “I believe Australia will eventually become a republic,” Jackman said in an interview with the BBC. “It only feels natural.” The 54-year-old living in the USA (“Deadpool 3”, “Greatest Showman”) was born in Sydney and claims to have both Australian and British citizenship.

He bears no grudge against the British King Charles III. as the current head of state of Australia, the actor said. But it is “inevitable” that Australia will change its form of government as a “natural part of a country’s evolution.”

After the death of the Queen in September, the debate over the form of government in Australia was reignited. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has repeatedly indicated that he wants to make Australia a republic, but only in a possible second term.

Jackman said his parents loved the royals. “My dad made us stop whatever we were doing so we could watch Lady Di and Prince Charles’ wedding in 1981,” he said. “We toasted with champagne.” He fully recognizes the service of the late Queen Elizabeth II and of her son, the new King Charles III. But Australia will one day “go its own way,” said Jackman.