Marvel Studios appears ready to break the Ryan Reynolds Wolverine promise of “just one more time,” as Hugh Jackman’s return as Wolverine now looks set to extend beyond the initial plan. While Reynolds initially assured fans that Jackman’s comeback in the highly anticipated Deadpool & Wolverine was a one-off, new reports suggest Marvel has much bigger plans for Jackman within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Jackman’s Return to Wolverine Grows Beyond One Final Outing
For several years after Disney acquired 20th Century Fox in 2019, updates on Deadpool 3—and specifically any involvement from Hugh Jackman—were sparse. That changed dramatically in September 2022, when Ryan Reynolds made waves by eliciting Jackman’s agreement to don the iconic claws once more for Deadpool & Wolverine, which is set to release in July 2024. Capturing fan excitement, Reynolds publicly asked,
Hey Hugh, you wanna play Wolverine one more time?
– Ryan Reynolds, Actor.
However, it now appears that Marvel Studios is laying the groundwork for Jackman’s Wolverine to appear in multiple films. Insiders reveal his role may extend beyond Deadpool & Wolverine, with planned appearances that include hiding his return for Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for December 18, 2026. This means fans could see James “Logan” Howlett—Wolverine’s alter ego—back on screens soon after his MCU debut with Wade Wilson.
Industry insider Daniel Richtman has also indicated that Jackman’s Wolverine will have a major part in Avengers: Secret Wars. This ensemble could see him share the screen alongside Reynolds’ Deadpool, Tobey Maguire and Tom Holland’s Spider-Men, creating unprecedented crossover moments and elevating Wolverine’s presence in the MCU.
Marvel’s Long-Term Plans for Wolverine and Deadpool
The studio’s vision reportedly doesn’t end with Secret Wars. Moving into Marvel’s Phase 7, the possibility of a standalone Wolverine project starring Jackman is under consideration, fueling speculation that his association with the role may continue for years to come. The recurring joke from Wade Wilson about Jackman playing Wolverine “till he’s 90,” now seems less hyperbolic as Marvel signals no plans to recast immediately.
In the wake of Deadpool & Wolverine’s anticipated box office breakthrough, Marvel Studios is said to be enthusiastic about bringing Reynolds and Jackman back for a fourth Deadpool film. The mutant duo’s on-screen chemistry is driving both creative and commercial motivations for this potential sequel.
Should Jackman stay in the MCU, he could one day cross paths with the third incarnation of the X-Men, after already interacting with both the younger and older versions of the Fox-era teams. However, Marvel is rumored to have a different lead in mind for the upcoming X-Men reboot, suggesting Logan may be absent from the initial lineup.
Reynolds’ Original Wolverine Promise and Marvel’s Changing Strategy
It’s important to recognize that Ryan Reynolds’ promise was genuine when made: Jackman would play Wolverine one final time. But the overwhelming fan response, together with Deadpool & Wolverine’s projected financial success, shifted Marvel’s plans. Both the fanbase and the studio saw that it made little sense, from a business perspective, to end Jackman’s run if audiences were still eager for more.
Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine has become iconic over a 17-year span at Fox, drawing to a close in Logan with the character’s poignant death. Many fans initially feared that the time-travel element in Deadpool & Wolverine could undermine Logan’s legacy, but early signs point to Marvel honoring that story while presenting a new Variant of Wolverine—still portrayed by Jackman—to keep future storylines open.
This fresh version of Wolverine, shaped by past failures with his X-Men and a closer tie to comic-book roots, expands the creative possibilities. Despite this, some argue the MCU should consider finding a new actor for the role, as even beloved performances must eventually be recast. Over the years, names like Taron Egerton and Jeremy Allen White have surfaced among fan discussions about potential successors. A notable experiment even saw Henry Cavill, dubbed “Cavillrine,” cameo as Wolverine in Deadpool & Wolverine.
Jackman’s enduring status as a favorite among superhero actors helps explain Marvel’s decision for him to be central to the Multiverse Saga. His involvement will let the MCU fulfill long-standing fan requests, such as Wolverine interacting with other major heroes. Still, after Secret Wars and the likely universe reset, recasting may become necessary to move the franchise forward.
The Road Ahead for Wolverine and the X-Men in the MCU
Marvel Studios’ approach to the Wolverine character highlights both fan devotion and the business realities of blockbuster franchises. While Jackman’s continued involvement may satisfy many, the eventual transition to a new actor seems inevitable as the X-Men are refreshed for new stories and future generations of viewers.
For now, the Ryan Reynolds Wolverine promise serves as a snapshot of Marvel’s intentions at a particular moment. Rapid changes in the studio’s plans—to capitalize on popularity and box office strength—show how even firm declarations may not endure in the ever-evolving MCU. With upcoming appearances set for both Deadpool & Wolverine and rumored future projects, fans can expect to see Jackman’s Wolverine at the heart of Marvel’s multiverse storylines for several more years.
BIG Spider-Man and Avengers scoops in the link 👀🚨🚨https://t.co/c6yM1OFExs
— Daniel Richtman (@DanielRPK) December 26, 2025
