Summary
Hugh Jackman is always going to be associated with the character of Wolverine due to the incredible performances he has put in as an X-Men member over the years. There was a lot of excitement when he finally entered theMarvel Cinematic Universe, and seeing him inDeadpool & Wolverineshowcased what he could be capable of within that world.
However, after taking on the role since 2000, there could be an argument that it’s time for Jackman to move on from the character of Wolverine. Whether or not that happens remains to be seen, as new rumors have hinted that the popular actor could wear the iconic claws in the MCU for much longer.
Why Could He Stay For Another Decade?
A recent report from industry insiderMyTimeToShineHhas claimed that Jackman intends to continue to play Wolverine’s character for at least 10 years. The insider added that Marvel is planning on turningDeadpool & Wolverineinto a trilogy, which is understandable considering the 2023 release grossed over $1 billion, but that would see Jackman in the role for a long time. It has previously been rumored that Marvel is alsoconsidering aHulk vs. Wolverinemovie, which might not continue the connection he has with Deadpool, but it could thrust Wolverine into a new position.
Wolverine is also slated to be part ofAvengers: Doomsday, which would be the first time the legendary character appeared in an Avengers film. That’s something audiences want to see and would seeJackman involved in another huge project. There is also the expected launch of the X-Men within the MCU, which Wolverine will likely be involved in. The amount of movies that Marvel has slated for the future showcases that there is genuine scope for Wolverine to be around for longer, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good thing.
Hugh Jackman Might Be Too Old For Wolverine
There is no question that Jackmanlooked the part inDeadpool & Wolverine, with his physique being impressive. That’s a key factor in any Marvel movie, which has led to many actors getting into fantastic shape to take on specific parts over the years. However, if Jackman were to take on the role for another decade, as has been reported, that would take him to the age of 66, which is going to be a tall task for Jackman to ensure he looks the same. It would put a lot of pressure on him, and while he’s likely more than capable of it, the visual might make Wolverine look out of place working alongside some of the younger actors in the MCU.
Having an older Wolverine does open Marvel up to different storyline possibilities that haven’t happened in the MCU. However, that type ofmovie already exists withLogan. That’s considered one of the greatest superhero films of all time, and Marvel taking on a story similar to that would likely lead to comparisons and judgment, which isn’t a good thing. Marvel fans don’t want to see repeated storylines taking place, and pushing an older version of Wolverine would be exactly that.
It’s Time To Hand Over The Mantle
The idea of recasting Wolverineis certainly a tough one due to how good Jackman’s performances have been. The fact that he’s still physically able to take on the role also means that people could buy into him continuing as the character. The fact that his first MCU project was a hit helps, but at this stage, it feels like it’s time for him to hand over the role to someone else. Throughout his time playing Wolverine, Jackman has covered every type of storyline possible, and fans have been able to see his take on the different emotions that the mutant can provide. There has been romance, betrayal, heartbreak, revenge, working in a team, death, and even an unexpected friendship with Deadpool, which is why many fans want a new actor in the role.
The upcoming launch of X-Men in the MCUprovides the perfect opportunity for Marvel to move on with this character, creating a younger version that can be used for far longer than a decade if needed. Given that all the new X-Men stars will likely be around the same age, having a much older Wolverine might feel out of place. Plus, it would stop the character from having many of the iconic relationships he grows to have with his fellow X-Men in the comics, which is something people want to see play out on the big screen within theMCU. Jackman’s service to the character has been incredible, and he has created an unforgettable superhero that people won’t forget in a hurry. But another decade in that role brings with it plenty of risk, and if Marvel is going to do that, they might as well gamble on a new actor.
MCU
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a sprawling movie and television franchise that weaves together individual stories of superheroes including Captain America, Thor, Spider-Man, Hulk, Black Widow, and many more. The first film in the franchise, Iron Man, was released in 2008. The MCU has garnered critical praise and financial success, earning billions at the box office and becoming a cultural phenomenon.
