Hugh Jackman, who was believed to have retired from playing Wolverine after James Mangold’s Logan, has been persuaded to reprise the iconic mutant hero in Marvel Studios’ upcoming Deadpool and Wolverine team-up with Ryan Reynolds. This unexpected return highlights Jackman’s continued involvement in Marvel’s evolving cinematic universe, fueling speculation about his future appearances.
Ongoing Speculation Around Jackman’s Wolverine Role in MCU’s Future
Fans initially viewed the R-rated Deadpool and Wolverine collaboration as Jackman’s final bow as the character. However, rumors now suggest he could appear in major upcoming films like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, as well as in Ryan Reynolds’ untitled X-Force project. Marvel Studios is rebooting the X-Men franchise, with Jake Schreier, known for Thunderbolts, at the helm. Despite this, reports from industry insider Daniel Richtman indicate plans to keep Jackman involved in projects even after Secret Wars.
The possibility of Jackman’s Wolverine remaining active within the MCU is further underscored by Wade Wilson’s quip that Disney intends to have Jackman portray Logan “until he’s 90.” Introducing a new, younger Wolverine may present challenges given how closely Jackman’s portrayal has defined the character for over 25 years. Therefore, it is expected Jackman and possibly other original 20th Century Fox X-Men actors might return in mentor-like roles as the Mutant Saga unfolds.
Delays and Directorial Returns Shape Upcoming MCU Avengers Films
The releases of Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars have been delayed significantly, now scheduled for December 18, 2026, and December 17, 2027, respectively. Both films will be directed by the Russo brothers, reuniting with the MCU after their work on Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame.
“Being able to create stories and explore characters within the Marvel Universe fulfilled a life-long dream of ours, and we discovered a powerful connection with audiences in each film that we made. We’re thrilled to collaborate once again with Kevin, Lou and the entire Marvel team to bring this epic adventure in storytelling to new and surprising places for both the fans and ourselves,”
said The Russos following the San Diego Comic-Con panel. – The Russo brothers
Extensive Cast Announced for Avengers: Doomsday
The full cast list for Avengers: Doomsday includes both returning favorites and new faces, demonstrating Marvel’s dedication to expanding its superhero ensemble:
1. Paul Rudd as Ant-Man
2. Simu Liu as Shang-Chi
3. Tom Hiddleston as Loki
4. Lewis Pullman as Sentry
5. Florence Pugh as Yelena
6. Danny Ramirez as Falcon
7. Ian McKellen as Magneto
8. Sebastian Stan as Bucky
9. Winston Duke as M’Baku
10. Chris Hemsworth as Thor
11. Kelsey Grammer as Beast
12. James Marsden as Cyclops
13. Channing Tatum as Gambit
14. Wyatt Russell as U.S. Agent
15. Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm
16. Rebecca Romijn as Mystique
17. Patrick Stewart as Professor X
18. Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler
19. Letitia Wright as Black Panther
20. Tenoch Huerta Mejia as Namor
21. Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards
22. Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost
23. Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm
24. David Harbour as Red Guardian
25. Robert Downey Jr as Doctor Doom
26. Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing
27. Anthony Mackie as Captain America
Impact and Future of the Wolverine Character in the MCU
Hugh Jackman’s extended involvement as Wolverine suggests Marvel Studios values his portrayal as central to their mutant narrative. The complexity of integrating a new Wolverine without alienating long-time fans could influence the studio’s decision to keep Jackman in a guiding role as the MCU introduces fresh faces. The delays in major Avengers installments may also allow for further character exploration and story development that incorporates Jackman’s Wolverine beyond previously anticipated limits.
As the MCU continues to expand and evolve, the return of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine carries significant weight, promising to satisfy loyal audiences while guiding new chapters in the Mutant Saga.
#AvengersDoomsday. Now in production. pic.twitter.com/G84UVU8HOc
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) March 26, 2025
