The third Wolverine film that not only completed the trilogy but, also was Hugh Jackman’s last portrayal as the legendary clawed superhero, came out in 2016. It garnered over $800 million on the box-office and is among the top five R-rated movies of all times. It has received favorable reviews from all leading entertainment outlets and has a 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The Wolverine that we saw in the movie was based on “Old Man Logan” which is a story about a dystopian future depicting the victory of villains over the Wolverine.
Hugh Jackman essayed the role of Logan aka Wolverine in this final solo movie of X-Men franchise which was directed by James Mangold. Jackman has spent more than ten years devoted to this character and has performed superbly. He is regarded highly by critics as well as fans for his superb work in successive X-Men and Wolverine solo films. In fact, it is difficult even to imagine anyone else playing this legendary role on the big screen.
However, Hugh Jackman has favored Tom Hardy as an actor worthy of stepping into the Wolverine’s shoes. Jackman believes that Tom Hardy is capable of portraying the character of a young wolverine with finesse and mastery. When questioned about who he thinks can play the role of Wolverine by a media person, this is what Hugh Jackman said:
“That’s a great question. I haven’t given it a lot of thought. I’ve been asked the question a lot, and I’m always like “I don’t want to make it too easy on the studio to replace me.” I’ve still got one more to do. I’m sure they’re already talking about it, that some actor out there they’ve already said “shhh… keep it quiet, but we want you next. He’s younger than me for sure; I think Tom Hardy would be a great…
In fact, not just Hugh Jackman, but, fans also feel that Tom Hardy is the perfect choice to play the role of Wolverine because he has already delivered a fantastic performance as Bane in the last chapter of the Dark Knight trilogy. Hardy is now in the late thirties whereas Hugh Jackman is in the forties. Therefore, Hardy’s age is also ideal to play the young Logan, and he can commit an adequate number of years to play the character. He is good looking, strong and has got the physique that would be suitable for Wolverine.
A window of opportunity is available for The Studio and the X-Men makers to sign him up for the role with a multi-year deal before some rival studios snap him up (He is already committed to playing Venom). Tom Hardy is a powerhouse of talent, and his CV is dotted with noticeable action movies such as Warrior, Dark Knight Rises, Mad Max: Fury Road. Therefore, he has what it takes to take Wolverine to new and interesting heights that have not yet been seen.
However, there is one more man who wants to play Wolverine and he is none other than Scott Eastwood, the son of iconic actor Clint Eastwood. He is willing to throw his hat in the ring if he gets an opportunity. During a recent interview with ComicBook.com, he spoke excitedly about the prospect of playing Wolverine and said:
“Weapon X. I mean, Logan! You gotta give it to Wolverine! Wolverine, all day.”
This is really a tough challenge to take on the mantle of playing Wolverine after what Jackman has got us all used to, however, Eastwood also has the right physique, appearance, and age to do so. He has played the part of Lieutenant GQ Edwards in the DCEU hit Suicide Squad. Therefore, he is also not unaccustomed to action movies.
Let’s wait and watch who will ultimately step into Wolverine’s shoes.
