Kevin Feige Says Another Actor Playing Wolverine Is “Inevitable”
With his triumphant return in Deadpool & Wolverine, Hugh Jackman has now been playing Wolverine for twenty-four years. Originating the role in 2000’s X-Men, Jackman has played the iconic mutant in a total of nine Marvel films. After playing the character for almost a quarter of a decade, Jackman has become synonymous with Wolverine.
While it appeared that Jackman’s time as the X-Man had come to an end with 2017’s Logan, the character has been given new life with Deadpool & Wolverine.
In the new film, Jackman portrays a variant of the character he originated in the X-Men films. This not only allowed the actor to return without ruining Logan’s emotional impact, but it also gave both Jackman and Marvel new creative freedom.
Photo: GeekTryrant
With Wolverine now firmly established as an MCU hero, it appears that the character’s story will continue for the foreseeable future. Still, Hugh Jackman is now 55 years old. Surely, eventually, another actor will have to take over the role at some point?
Kevin Feige Weighs In
In a recent interview with DiscussingFilm, Marvel head Kevin Feige was asked about the possibility of a new actor assuming the role of Wolverine.
“Yes. You know, Marvel is celebrating its 85th anniversary later this summer. That’s just the first 85 years, and Disney just celebrated 100 years as well. I think these characters will be around for another 100 years, long after all of us. So, for sure, there will be [eventually another actor as Wolverine],” he said.
Photo: FOX
“I think it will be in a very different style and in a different way. I also think if somebody were to attempt to do a Hugh Jackman as Wolverine impression, that would be a pretty big mistake.”
Jackman Will Play Wolverine For the Foreseeable Future
While Feige was making his larger point about the lasting power of Marvel, he was also quick to note that he didn’t believe a changing of the guard was happening anytime soon.
Photo: Marvel
“As comic readers know, there have been various and very, very different versions of these characters over the decades. It would be fun to explore different ones someday down the line,” he cotinued.
“Again, we don’t have immediate plans by any means. But in the decades to come, I think it’s inevitable. If that happens, it would have to be a very different and bold reinterpretation of [the character] because no one will be as great as Hugh Jackman at doing his version of Wolverine.”
Photo: Marvel
With Jackman’s Wolverine perhaps the most popular comic book live-action hero of all time and Deadpool & Wolverine looking like a blockbuster, Marvel will likely want to keep the actor around as long as possible. Still, a changing of the guard is inevitable.
