Hard to believe it’s been more than 20 years since Wolverine (famously brought ot life by Hugh Jackman) agreed to give Rogue (Anna Paquin) a ride in Bryan Singer’s X-Men. Their first verbal exchange in this early scene was punctuated with the dry, comic brilliance Jackman brought to the role of Logan: After he storms off, initially leaving Paquin’s Rogue on the cold streets, she yells to him, “I saved your life.” Logan flatly replies, “No you didn’t,” hinting at his healing superpowers before slamming his car door and driving off.

Jackman also brought the required ferocity, charm, and charisma to Marvel’s iconic X-Men character, which dates back to 1974. Wolverine possesses animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, a powerful regenerative ability, and three retractable Adamantium claws in each hand. He has been depicted variously as a member of the X-Men, X-Force, Alpha Flight, Fantastic Four, and Avengers in the comics. And since Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, fans are excited to see how Logan may be incorporated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe — especially considering Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness introduced a variant of Patrick Stewart’s Professor X.

The seven actors listed below are who we think might fill the role nicely, following Jackman’s 17-year portrayal of the legendary character. Notice how each A-lister here resembles how the mutant was physically depicted in Stan Lee’s comics to some degree, but the role requires a complexity far beyond any lookalike edge. Here’s a breakdown of our favorites, based on their action-movie experience, filmography, and overall track record.

Updated August 15, 2022: If you love Wolverine and the MCU, you’ll be happy to know we’ve updated this article with new entries.

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7 Daniel Radcliffe

     Umbrella Entertainment

Daniel Radcliffe may not exactly be the picture of masculinity that Wolverine embodies, but let’s take into account the character’s physique in the comics. He isn’t a six-foot behemoth like Jackman. In fact, he’s of a more stocky build. He’s been drawn to be as small as 5'3", a full inch taller than Kevin Hart. He is also jacked to the gills, almost a human boulder that can carve up anything in his way. Radcliffe would have to beef up quite a bit to stand as a man worthy of fighting the Hulk, but he’s already got that scruffy, tough look. Good examples of his work to help view him in the role are his characters in Horns and The Woman in Black. These roles show him playing more serious, and in the case of Horns, tougher characters.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

Fans have already cast Radcliffe as the popular X-Man in their hearts, with many speculating not long ago that he had already nabbed the role. He set the record straight on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon that he has not, per The Direct, but there’s no telling what the future may hold. There have already been indications of the mutant gene being in the MCU from Ms. Marvel, as well as casting rumors for both Magneto and Professor Xavier. If a Wolverine casting is on the horizon, Radcliffe may have a chance.

6 Keanu Reeves

     Lionsgate

“How about I give you the finger, and you give me my phone call?” The intensity, confidence, and occasional humor that Keanu Reeves brought to Neo in The Matrix are unparalleled — even though several other actors were initially considered for the character. It seems that everyone loves Reeves and knows he’s an action king who will also bring the acting chops. Reeves’ talent could bring new life character to the Wolverine character that fans have not seen yet in the MCU. Interestingly enough, Reeves is Canadian, just like Wolverine.

Kevin Feige has reportedly met with Reeves to discuss various MCU roles. We know he can fearlessly take on action roles with enough commitment to the stunts and choreography to sell every fight scene, but it’s his burning intensity that would make the John Wick actor — trained in judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu — an ideal Wolverine. Some other films that have effectively prepared Reeves for Wolverine include Speed and Point Break. “I always wanted to play Wolverine,” Reeves once said during a Radio Andy Sirius XM interview. Only time will tell.

5 Joel Edgerton

     A24

Over the years, Joel Edgerton has emerged as one of the finest contemporary actors of this generation. He has the right scruffy look and body type to pull off the character of Logan, and he certainly has the attitude down. The acclaimed dramatic actor has strong roles in Animal Kingdom and The Great Gatsby, but he also knows how to hold his own when it comes to action, as exquisitely portrayed in Warrior opposite Tom Hardy. Some other films that have effectively prepared Edgerton for Wolverine include It Comes At Night, The Gift, and Black Mass.

Despite being a versatile actor, fans haven’t really gotten to see him play a ferocious character. Perhaps the closest he comes are in films such as Zero Dark Thirty, Warrior, and It Comes at Night. These films see Edgerton depicting characters who have to fight for survival in some way, but usually as lawful good individuals. Wolverine has a temper and viciousness that could easily make him look villainous, despite being a hero. For Edgerton to play Logan in the MCU, he would have to embody someone who resembles a cornered beast because that’s what Wolverine is at heart — a beast.

4 Jason Mamoa

Speaking of beasts, Jason Mamoa would be a perfect choice to play Wolverine in the MCU. He already has a natural build, and he’s ferocious without even trying. He could capture the stoic intimidation that Jackman brought to the role, but in a way that would be all his own. There are already perfect examples of him playing Wolverine-type characters, such as his portrayal as Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones and Baba Voss in See. Fans already know he can play the hero as well because he is already Aquaman. What rule says he can’t play two heroes? Mamoa himself hasn’t ruled out the possibility either, per Cinema Blend, as he’s stated that he would love to play Wolverine.

Outside of being a natural beast of a man, Momoa also has one of the warmest hearts in Hollywood, and he has no trouble getting that across on camera. When fans first met Khal Drogo, all they could see at first was a murderous barbarian. Over time, they saw a loving husband and a man willing to go against everything he believes to take the Seven Kingdoms for the woman he loves. Mamoa could easily give Logan a heart in a way fans haven’t seen.

3 Justin Theroux

     HBO

Justin Theroux has actually been a part of the MCU in the past. He worked as a screenwriter for 2010s Iron Man 2, but in the years following, has received much acclaim for his on-screen efforts. He starred in HBO’s The Leftovers as a tormented chief of police struggling to deal with the sudden disappearance of 2% of the world’s population. As Kevin, Theroux displayed a chemistry set of emotions and sometimes these mixed together in bursts of combustible anger. Such complexities could bring a new, unique life to Wolverine in the MCU, as a large part of playing Wolverine involves depicting the character’s inner turmoil.

Theroux is also leading Apple TV+’s The Mosquito Coast as a scruffy dad in distress — also helpful in preparing him for the complicated Logan role. And his scene-stealing supporting turn in Cary Joji Fukunaga’s miniseries Maniac for Netflix proves he can also bring a bonus charm and humor. Some other films that have effectively prepared Theroux for Wolverine include Mulholland Drive, The Girl on the Train, and The Spy Who Dumped Me.

2 Sam Worthington

     Saban Films

Remember when Sam Worthington was the next big thing? It seems, however, that even Avatar couldn’t do the Australian actor many favors over the years. That said, there’s no denying that an Aussie can pull off Logan, as proven by Jackman himself. There’s also no arguing that Worthington is a good actor who has shown much improvement in recent years.

A superhero role could be just what he needs to get him back on top. Worthington knows how to deliver the kind of intensity a character like Wolverine needs, complemented by his tough, manly features and deep gravelly voice. Some other films that have effectively prepared Worthington for Wolverine include Terminator: Salvation and Clash of the Titans. He is currently set to reprise his role as Jake Sully in Avatar 2: Way of Water. Perhaps the sequel to the highest-grossing film of all time could be a second chance of sorts for the Aussie actor?

1 Scott Eastwood

     Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Miramax

Perhaps better known as the son of legend Clint Eastwood, Scott Eastwood has still been able to set his mark on Hollywood as a reliable leading man, especially with his starring turn in The Outpost. Could the actor make his big mark as Wolverine? Well, fans seem to think so, as fan art of the actor as Logan has already made the rounds. In effect, Eastwood asked fans to start a petition calling for him to play the next iteration of the beloved member of the X-Men.

Plus, check out the deepfake that has Eastwood doing some sizzling of his own as Wolverine. The viral video shows the actor in several clips that have won fans over, which is no small feat. Check out the comments, too: Wolverine fans are nearly unanimous in their approval. Some other films that have effectively prepared Eastwood for Wolverine include Wrath of Man, The Fate of the Furious, and Pacific Rim: Uprising.