Summary
WithDeadpool & Wolverineon the horizon, fans are thrilled to see Hugh Jackman reprise his iconic Wolverine role. However, speculation is rife that Jackman’s stint as Wolverine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) may be short-lived, sparking curiosity about who will don the claws next. Fresh rumors have ignited excitement, hinting that a new frontrunner has emerged to succeed Jackman.
The Marvel Universe is always on the move. Hugh Jackman has yet to make hishighly anticipated return as Logan in his iconic yellow suitin this July’sDeadpool & Wolverine, marking his debut in the MCU, and there’s already speculation about who will succeed him as the MCU’s Wolverine. According to recent buzz, a new top contender may have surfaced, and the next Wolvie could be a beloved fan favorite from Jackman’s storied past.
New reports suggest that Taron Egerton (fromKingsman andBlack Bird) is once again a top fan-favorite to take over the iconic Wolverine role, reminiscent of the buzz back in 2019. TheKingsmanstar is now the leading choice among bookmakers to succeed Hugh Jackman as the legendary mutant hero. According toSportscasting.com, which has compiled the latest betting odds for Jackman’s successor, Egerton tops the list with +200 odds. Hot on his heels isVenom’sTom Hardy, followed bySuicide Squad’sScott Eastwood. Henry Cavill and Jeremy Allen White are tied for fourth place, rounding out thetop five contenders for MCU’s Wolverine role. Although these betting odds reflect current speculation, they don’t guarantee any official talks or decisions from Marvel Studios. Nonetheless, Egerton has been vocal about his eagerness to take on Wolverine’s claws over the years.
In 2022, Taron Egerton stated that he had his sights set on Wolverine’s iconic yellow helmet after beingfeatured in fan art as the Adamantine-clawed superhero. He confirmed meeting with Marvel Studios about a potential role amid speculation that he could replace Hugh Jackman as the MCU’s new Wolverine.While Egerton didn’t disclose the specifics back then, he later clarified that his pitch was for a different character, not Logan, though he didn’t reveal who the hero or villain was. Despite his initial interest, Egerton now feels he may have outgrown the role and indicated a waning enthusiasm for pursuing the Wolverine character, though he hasn’t entirely ruled out the possibility. “I’m not going to be the guy to play Wolverine. There’s no signs pointing towards that being the thing. And I just don’t know if I’m… maybe I’m getting to the point where that’s not what I want anymore. I don’t know. I’d never say never, and I do love those movies. I’ve really enjoyed watching them over the past 10, 15 years. But whether I… You know, it may not be that they’re the right thing for me anymore. I think maybe I’m past the point where that felt like the right thing [for my career].”
Hugh Jackman had aproper sendoff as Wolverineafter the gritty success of James Mangold’sLogan, but fans are excited to see him don the claws once more alongside Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool in next month’sDeadpool and Wolverine.While it’s uncertain if Jackman will continue as Wolverine beyond this Marvel’s first R-rated installment, rumors persist that he might not be ready to hang up his adamantium skeleton just yet andmight return inAvengers: Secret Wars,amongst other MCU projects, albeit not in a Marvel’sX-Mencapacity. Jackman may continue as the MCU’s Wolverine for a while longer, but a younger actor is expected to take over the role in the long run. However, his return inDeadpool 3might delay this transition and potentially push the arrival of a new Wolverine in Earth-616 to as late as Phase 7 or later. With many fans favoring Taron Egerton as Jackman’s successor, his debut as the mutant berserker might not happen until later phases, and this delay gives Egerton ample time to impress Marvel and show he’s the best fit for the role, as eager fans await to see who will take up the mantle and embody Wolverine’s ferocity next.
Wolverine will make his MCU cinematic debut in Deadpool & Wolverine on July 26.
