Marvel Studios’ mutant plans are reportedly starting to come into focus, and all signs point to Wolverine being part of the pack just as the X-Men fully assemble for a movie or other projects.
Marvel rumored to be developing Wolverine and multiple mutant projects
According to scooper Daniel Richtman, Marvel Studios is developing a standalone Wolverine movie as part of its next saga, alongside multiple other mutant-focused films. The report suggests Wolverine will be a priority rather than just one piece of an eventual X-Men reboot. “Marvel is developing a Wolverine project and multiple mutant-focused projects for the next saga, not just an X-Men reboot,” (via Comic Book Movie).
This isn’t the first time a solo Wolverine movie has surfaced in rumor circles, but the latest update reinforces the idea that Marvel wants to reestablish the character early as it transitions out of the Multiverse Saga following Avengers: Secret Wars.
One major question remains: who will lead this Wolverine project? Hugh Jackman is confirmed to return as Logan in Avengers: Doomsday, but it’s unclear if the rumored solo would center exclusively on his version of the character. Additionally, there has also been ongoing speculation that Dafne Keen’s Laura/X-23 could eventually take on the Wolverine mantle in the MCU. Keen recently said she would be open to returning in both smaller, character-driven stories and larger team-ups, including potential Avengers crossovers, leaving the door open for a shared or transitional approach to the character (via The Direct).
Beyond Wolverine, Marvel is slowly assembling its long-awaited X-Men reboot. Jake Schreier is said to direct the film, with Michael Lesslie working on the script. Casting is reportedly underway, though no roles have been officially announced. The X-Men film is widely expected to launch what’s being referred to as The Mutant Saga, with Marvel planning several interconnected mutant projects rather than a single team movie.
Some actors from 20th Century Fox’s X-Men franchise are also rumored to appear in Doomsday, potentially helping bridge the gap between eras. For now, most of it remains unconfirmed.