The X-Men from 20th Century Fox will make their official debut in the MCU in Avengers: Doomsdaybut it probably won’t be until after Avengers: Secret Wars when we finally meet the “all new and different” X-Men of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

If the rumors about Sadie Sink like Jean Gray are true, at least one of them could debut in
Spider-Man: Brand New Day this same summer. Regardless, with filmmaker Jake Schreier likely targeting a 2028 release of the X-Men reboot, the first wave of actors could be cast before 2026 ends.

Marvel Studios seems to have big plans for mutants — which explains the “Mutant Saga” rumors — that extend to several spin-offs from the main film series, both on the big and small screen. A Wolverine movie will almost certainly be among what comes next, although the big question is whether Hugh Jackman he plans to continue playing the clawed mutant.

Hugh Jackman in Deadpool and Wolverine

Wolverine still has a lot to give

It has been reported on multiple occasions that he will return after
Doomsday and Secret Warsand there’s really nothing to say he couldn’t play Logan for the next decade or more (especially if Dafne Keen joins him as a younger Wolverine for a passing of the torch). Today, insider @MyTimeToShineH shared a familiar rumor on X: “Marvel Studios is developing a Wolverine solo movie.” This has already sparked a new wave of speculation about Jackman’s future.

It won’t be easy for any actor to pick up where he left off, although Henry Cavill’s cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) has spawned theories that we might have already met the next James Howlett of the MCU.

Hugh Jackman as Wolverine

Last month, we spoke to Keen and asked her how she feels about fans wanting her to be the next Wolverine. Although she stopped short of confirming that she is looking to inherit the mantle, the actress expressed her gratitude for the support. “It means a lot to me,” Keen said. «I always think it’s special that something we did 10 years ago still has an impact. “I love that character deeply and it matters a lot to me that so many people love her as much as I do.”

The dilemma of Wolverine’s heir: Jackman, Cavill or Keen?

The possibility of a Wolverine solo movie raises the hottest debate in the current MCU: who will carry the claws in the “Mutant Saga.” While the presence of Hugh Jackman guarantees box office success and appeals to nostalgia, the introduction of Henry Cavill as “Cavillrine” he left such a deep mark that many consider him the natural successor for a more physical and mature version of the character.

Henry Cavill as Wolverine

However, the most narratively organic path points towards
Dafne Keen. His evolution from Logan to his recent appearance in the multiverse has shown that he has the acting chops to carry the emotional weight of the franchise, allowing Wolverine’s name to go from a specific character to a generational legacy.

Wolverine, the Mutant Saga and the future of spin-offs

Confirmation that Marvel Studios is looking to expand the mutant universe beyond a core team suggests a shift in strategy similar to what we saw with the Avengers in its early phases. An individual Wolverine film would not only serve to set the tone for violence and realism in this new era, but would also function as a bridge to explore other corners of the mutant world, such as Weapon X or the nation of Krakoa.

With Jake Schreier at the helm of the main reboot, the MCU has the opportunity to correct the continuity errors of the past, offering a cohesive vision where Logan – whether played by Jackman or a new face – can finally interact with characters we always dreamed of seeing him with, from the Hulk to the new Captain America.

This expansion of the mutant universe is not limited only to the big screen, as rumors suggest that Marvel Studios is considering projects in various formats, including special presentations on Disney+ with a more mature and visceral tone.

With the “Wolverine” brand recently registered for multimedia content and the Insomniac video game scheduled for September 2026, the studio seems determined to saturate the market with the iconic hero, setting the stage for an unprecedented generational transition in the Mutant Saga.

Sebastian Hernandez

Journalist focused on film, television or the world of entertainment in general with more than six years of experience. Star Wars lover. Follower of Marvel, DC and video games.

“Do you want to know the difference between a master and an apprentice? The master has failed more times than the beginner has tried.” -Yoda