The one X-Men character that fans anticipate the most is Wolverine, previously played by Hugh Jackman (who finally seems to be done with the role).
It’s only a matter of time when Marvel Studios has to recast Logan. Kevin Feige currently doesn’t seem to have anyone in mind for the role, but longtime MCU director Joe Russo has some advice on how to reintroduce Weapon X to audiences.
RUSSO SAYS DON’T RUSH IT
Speaking on The Lights Camera Barstool podcast (via The Playlist), Joe Russo spoke about his love of Wolverine and how he “has always been such a special character for (him)” ever since reading his debut issue in Hulk #181.
Russo continued by saying that adapting a character like Wolverine on-screen after already having such a definitive performance from an actor is akin to casting Batman:
One suggestion that Russo had for Marvel Studios is to give the character a rest and “come up with something new” when they introduce Wolverine again:
“To realize him on screen, it’s very hard because Hugh Jackman’s performance is definitive. It’s like Batman; you have to really think of a way to, you have to really find the right actor to come in and give a really different take to that character. But I would really love to see him on screen.”
WHAT THIS MEANS
“I think the best thing is to take a break, without question. You need a [palate cleanser], you need to rinse the towel a little bit, let everyone enjoy what was, and then come up with something new. But I’d love to take a crack at Wolverine at some point.”
An easy fix is simply casting a shorter actor for the role, but it doesn’t even have to be someone as vertically-challenged as Logan, who is an entire foot shorter than hat he actor who’s played him for so many years.
All in all, whatever means Marvel Studios uses to reintroduce Wolverine when they get there, it should be almost effortless to separate themselves from Jackman’s portrayal of the mutant.
