Thescreescore – In the ever-churning maelstrom of Marvel Cinematic Universe casting speculation, one name has consistently surfaced for the coveted role of Wolverine: Daniel Radcliffe. However, the actor, globally recognized for his portrayal of Harry Potter, has now unequivocally addressed these pervasive rumors, largely dispelling the notion that he might succeed Hugh Jackman as the iconic clawed mutant.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe stands on the precipice of rebooting its X-Men film series, a development that has sent fan conjecture into overdrive regarding who might fill the formidable shoes of its beloved characters. Wolverine, in particular, carries immense weight, primarily due to Hugh Jackman’s indelible nearly two-decade-long tenure. Despite Jackman’s initial retirement from the role in 2017, he made a triumphant return for 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine and is slated to reprise his part for Avengers: Doomsday. Nevertheless, the long-term strategy for the MCU involves recasting the entire superhero team for a new generation following Doomsday and its subsequent epic, Avengers: Secret Wars.
It was amidst this fervent fan casting that Radcliffe found himself directly confronted with the Wolverine speculation during a recent interview with ComicBook. While acknowledging the flattering nature of the "internet rumor," he was quick to clarify its lack of foundation. "It was not ever real," Radcliffe stated, emphasizing that the idea "was never suggested in any kind of way by anybody with any power to make that happen." He did, however, concede, "And, honestly, you would be stupid not to consider something like that," acknowledging the inherent appeal of such a monumental opportunity.
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Yet, a significant, perhaps insurmountable, obstacle prevents Radcliffe from seriously pursuing the role: the legacy of Hugh Jackman himself. The actor elaborated on his reluctance, explaining, "If they do other Wolverines, being the person who follows Hugh Jackman is not on my bucket list for anything." He continued, expressing profound respect for Jackman’s contribution: "For any role of his, particularly the role he has made the most iconic of his career, I am happy not to be doing that and let him keeping doing it."
This isn’t the first time Radcliffe has weighed in on the superhero genre. In a prior conversation with thescreescore.com, he discussed his general openness to joining either the MCU or its rival, the DC Universe, in a caped crusader capacity. Jesting about his physical dimensions, he quipped, "You know, my dimensions mean I’m a natural fit for Spider-Man." He quickly added, "I think that boat has sailed unless they’re doing, like, Spider-Geriatric-Man one day and I can do that." Clarifying his broader stance, Radcliffe affirmed, "I mean, look, of course, I’d be open to anything if the script was […] cool and weird and different, but there’s very much never been any truth to any of it."
He further revealed that Wolverine has consistently been the "classic" role he’s questioned about by the public. "I still get people coming up to me and being like, ‘Is that going to happen though?’ I’m like, ‘Dude no.’" Despite the persistent interest from fans, Radcliffe reiterated that there have never been any official plans for him to join the MCU in this, or any, capacity.
While the door appears firmly shut on Radcliffe embodying Wolverine, the actor was careful not to entirely lock himself out of the superhero realm. He concluded his thoughts by stating, "I would never rule anything like that out, but, also, I am not necessarily clamoring to be in it or seeking that. I am lucky that I can judge any job on the quality of the script." This suggests that while fan-driven speculation might not sway him, a truly compelling and unique script could potentially entice him to don a superhero mantle in the future.
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