Marvel has confirmed the casting of a new Wolverine for a project slated for 2026, sparking fresh discussions about Hugh Jackman’s possible return as the iconic mutant. This development follows Jackman’s previous reprisal of Wolverine in 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine, which marked his first portrayal since 2017’s Logan, where his character met a tragic end. The crossover introduced a new version of Logan into Marvel Studios’ universe, reigniting interest in Jackman Wolverine return speculation among fans.
Following the R-rated Deadpool & Wolverine film, in which both characters worked alongside the TVA, excitement has grown around their potential reappearances in upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe events such as Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. Meanwhile, Marvel’s audience is set to receive additional Wolverine content, including the second season of X-Men ’97 scheduled for 2026 on Disney+, and a new Wolverine-focused PlayStation 5 game developed by Insomniac Games expected to launch in the fall of next year.
Details Emerge on Wolverine’s Voice Casting for Upcoming Video Game
Though early leaks came to light after a data breach at Insomniac Games, the studio stayed relatively quiet about the Wolverine game until September 2025. That month, the first gameplay trailer premiered during a State of Play event, revealing both gameplay footage and the actor voicing the game’s Logan.
Australian actor Liam McIntyre, known for Spartacus: Vengeance and The CW’s The Flash, will lend his voice to James “Logan” Howlett in the 2026 release. McIntyre shared his reaction to the role, expressing deep respect for the character’s legacy and the weight of the responsibility:
“It’s one of the greatest honors of my life, one of the biggest responsibilities I’ve ever had, and one of the coolest things I’ve ever got to do.”
He highlighted Wolverine’s resilience in the story, despite significant hardship:
“Fans out there know what Wolverine is, who he is. My job is to try and find the essence of who Wolverine is, especially as it applies to our story. People hurt him, take from him, and betray him, but he still fights for people who can’t fight for themselves.”
Marcus Smith, the creative director for the game, praised McIntyre’s performance, stating the team unanimously agreed on his casting:
“That level of acting and being able to just deliver that performance with believability across both spectrums was something Insomniac ourselves, we all agreed, he’s the one, we don’t need to see anybody else.”
Notably, McIntyre is set to join others who have portrayed Wolverine in animation. Voice actor Cal Dodd will reprise Wolverine in X-Men ’97 Season 2, one of 18 returning mutants in the series. With Hugh Jackman potentially appearing in Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars, Wolverine might have as many as three actors portraying him across Marvel’s projects in the near future.
The Challenge of Recasting Wolverine Beyond Hugh Jackman
As Marvel ramps up the presence of Wolverine and other mutants in Phase 7 and beyond, Wolverine’s role in the upcoming X-Men franchise reboot remains uncertain. Reports indicate that Wolverine is absent from the Phase 7 reboot script, suggesting that Marvel may not immediately recast the character for the new X-Men lineup.
Despite growing anticipation for Wolverine’s return to the MCU, his involvement in Avengers: Doomsday seems unlikely. However, speculation remains strong around Hugh Jackman’s appearance in Secret Wars, as Marvel Studios ties together multiple universes and heroes. Industry insiders hint that Jackman could continue his role post-Secret Wars, citing how difficult it is to recast one of Marvel’s most emblematic characters.
Wolverine’s recasting challenges do not extend as heavily into animation, where numerous voice actors have contributed to the character’s legacy. Alongside McIntyre and Cal Dodd, voice talents like Steve Blum and Scott McNeil have shaped Logan’s presence on screen. This diverse voice acting history contrasts with the relatively static live-action portrayal dominated by Jackman.
What’s Ahead for Wolverine and the MCU
Marvel fans can look forward to several Wolverine projects unfolding over the next few years, with new shows, games, and potential MCU appearances all adding to the mutant’s storied legacy. The X-Men’s rising profile in the MCU points to an enhanced focus on their characters, while the ongoing mystery surrounding Hugh Jackman Wolverine return adds both intrigue and excitement among longtime followers of the franchise.
With multiple actors embodying Wolverine across different media, and Jackman’s potential reemergence in major upcoming events, Marvel is positioning Wolverine as a central figure in its evolving multiverse narrative. The next few years promise to deepen Wolverine’s impact on Marvel’s expanding storylines, benefiting fans eager to see new dimensions of Logan’s journey.
