Logan: Jackman Will Have a Say in Who Becomes the Next Wolverine

CBR

By Meagan Damore

Published Mar 8, 2017

According to writer-producer Simon Kinberg, 'we would talk to Hugh' about casting a new Wolverine for Fox's X-Men film franchise.

In "Logan," Hugh Jackman went for his last ride as Wolverine, thus ending his 17-year reign as clawed mutant. As Jackman rides off into the sunset for his "X-Men"-free life, he leaves behind a sweeping franchise that continues to grow with each passing year. With "Deadpool 2," "New Mutants" and more on the horizon, fans of Fox's "X-Men" universe are already beginning to wonder what happens next with the character, but writer-producer Simon Kinberg hasn't thought that far ahead quite yet.

"We haven’t even thought of the next iteration of Wolverine," Kinberg told Deadline. "For all of us, we were keeping our fingers crossed that the audiences would respond to 'Logan' the way they have. I can’t visualize in my head another Wolverine, but -- if that day ever comes -- we would talk to Hugh [Jackman] about it."

As such, it doesn't look like the "X-Men" franchise will resurrect Wolverine anytime soon. However, it's interesting to note that Kinberg would seek input from Jackman, who has become so inexorably linked to the character.

(We're about to delve into some spoilers here, so look away if you haven't already seen "Logan!") Of course, in the conclusion of the film, Wolverine's healing factor gives out due to metal poisoning and age, which leads to his death after a particularly grievous injury. This makes "Logan" quite a definitive end for the character and provides Jackman a poignant sendoff, but Wolverine has become even more popular, if the film's massive box office success is any indication.

That being the case, it wouldn't be much of a surprise if the studio revisited the character in a few years and cast someone new for the role. However, according to Kinberg, this new actor will have Jackman's seal of approval before he dons the claws for the first time.

“Logan” finds Wolverine in a world where no mutants have been born in twenty years. As such, he’s startled to discover Laura, a young mutant with powers very much like his own. Shortly thereafter, he’s forced to take a road trip with both Laura and ailing Professor X.

Now in theaters, “Logan” is directed by James Mangold and stars Hugh Jackman as Logan, Patrick Stewart as Charles, Dafne Keen as Laura, Boyd Holbrook as Pierce and Stephen Merchant as Caliban.