7 Ways MCU Has Secretly Set Up Its New Wolverine Before X-Men Reboot

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In a rather stealthy manner, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been subtly preparing for its unique interpretation of the character known as Wolverine. Even before the official reboot of X-Men fully materializes, the MCU timeline has been scattering hints that suggest the impending emergence of its own rendition of Logan, aka Wolverine. By means of various disclosures, presentations, and subtleties, Marvel Studios is constructing a careful but deliberate framework.

Over the years, Wolverine, played brilliantly by Hugh Jackman, has become one of the most memorable and lasting characters in the history of comic book movies. This is mainly due to Jackman’s portrayal throughout the X-Men franchise from 20th Century Fox. Making his debut in X-Men (2000), Jackman played Wolverine for nearly two decades, with Logan (2017) being a standout film that many consider among the best superhero movies ever created. Although Fox’s version of Wolverine was separate from the MCU, Marvel Studios now holds the rights to the X-Men films and are gradually allowing for integration, such as Jackman reprising his role in Deadpool & Wolverine.

7. Mutants Have Been Introduced In The MCU

Ms Marvel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, & Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness

One obvious hint that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is readying Wolverine and the X-Men is the appearance of mutants. For instance, in the series Ms. Marvel (2022), it’s disclosed that Kamala Khan has a genetic “mutation,” explicitly referencing this term and subtly hinting at the X-Men. Additionally, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) presents Earth-838’s Charles Xavier, portrayed again by Patrick Stewart, thereby confirming that mutants exist across various universes.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice that in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Namor himself acknowledges his mutant status. This undeniably validates that mutation is an acknowledged concept within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The implication here is that characters like Wolverine could potentially join the scene without solely relying on complex dimensions or future occurrences. Instead, they might be gradually introduced, offering a seamless path for their arrival in the primary storyline.

6. Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine Was Established In The MCU Multiverse

Deadpool & Wolverine

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Hugh Jackman’s legendary portrayal of Wolverine, originally from the 20th Century Fox timeline, is now an acknowledged part of the MCU’s vast multiverse. This multiverse tale opens up possibilities for multiple interpretations of familiar characters to fit within the MCU narrative. Although Logan’s death in the film “Logan” remains canonical, this doesn’t prevent other iterations of Wolverine from emerging, as demonstrated in the movie “Deadpool & Wolverine”.

This method enables Marvel Studios to pay tribute to Jackman’s legacy and set up a fresh portrayal of the character within the main Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) narrative. By employing the concept of the multiverse, they can introduce distinct new iterations of Wolverine while preserving the existing storyline. Deadpool and Wolverine had joked about Jackman playing the role until he turned 90, and although there’s no official news about further appearances, it seems probable that we haven’t seen the final chapter of Jackman’s portrayal as Wolverine. With his character now confirmed to be a key figure in the MCU multiverse, there’s a high chance that Jackman may reappear in future MCU stories.

5. Adamantium Has Been Discovered In The MCU

Captain America: Brave New World

One distinctive feature of Wolverine’s persona lies in his skeleton and claws being embedded with a virtually indestructible metal known as adamantium. For quite some time, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) overlooked this detail, instead emphasizing vibranium in Black Panther and Captain America films. However, following the events of Eternals, this perspective shifted. In the climax of Eternals, a Celestial named Tiamut was turned to stone by Sersi, creating an enormous island from his body. It’s subsequently revealed in Captain America: Brave New World that this “Celestial Island” is constructed from adamantium.

As a fan, I can’t help but notice the intriguing implications surrounding the revelation of adamantium in the Marvel Universe. This discovery has sparked worldwide excitement and controversy, hinting at possible directions for experimental research reminiscent of Weapon X. In the comics, Wolverine was bonded with this indestructible metal through government-funded procedures. Given the current setting, resources, and narrative foundations in the MCU, it seems Marvel is subtly preparing the groundwork for a similar origin story. Introducing adamantium before Wolverine’s arrival suggests that they are paving the way for his eventual origin. Furthermore, this metal’s existence implies that some individuals might already be manipulating it to advance human evolution to new heights.

4. The MCU Made Reference To A Man With Metal Claws

She-Hulk: Attorney At Law

In episode 2 of “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law”, the Marvel Cinematic Universe subtly hinted at an exciting prospect related to Wolverine. As Jennifer Walters peruses a fictional online news site, keen viewers couldn’t help but notice a headline in the sidebar that read, “Man gets into a brawl using metal claws.” Although never directly acknowledged on-screen, this subtle nod is hard to overlook.

His metal claws and frequent bar brawls in comic books make it tough not to associate this with Wolverine. This scene also mirrors the beginning of the first X-Men movie from 2000, where Hugh Jackman’s character, Logan, is depicted engaging in a cage match before unsheathing his iconic claws following a bar fight eruption.

This Easter egg subtly hints at Wolverine potentially being present in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), implying he might be operating covertly. Although it’s a minor detail, it’s one more step in Marvel Studios’ gradually laid trail leading to the introduction of their unique take on the legendary mutant. Whether it’s a variant or the MCU’s primary Wolverine, this online article hint suggests that ordinary citizens within the universe are starting to cross paths with individuals displaying powers similar to those of Wolverine, such as retractable claws and unyielding determination.

3. The Fox X-Men Are Established In The Marvel Multiverse

The Marvels, Doctor Doom And The Multiverse Of Madness, & Avengers: Doomsday

The X-Men characters from 20th Century Fox’s universe have officially become part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” Patrick Stewart reappeared as Professor X, using his classic levitating wheelchair, in an alternate reality known as Earth-838. Moreover, Kelsey Grammer’s character, Beast, made a comeback in the post-credits scene of “The Marvels,” further confirming that characters from the Fox universe continue to exist across dimensions. This trend is far from over.

Marvel has officially announced that “Avengers: Doomsday” will feature characters from Fox’s X-Men universe such as Cyclops, Nightcrawler, Magneto, Mystique, and Professor X. This move not only pays tribute to their past but also sets the stage for distinct portrayals of these characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) going forward. By introducing these Fox-era versions, it paves the way for a smooth transition when Marvel introduces new incarnations of beloved characters like Wolverine within the MCU’s Earth-616 continuity. It’s a thoughtful blend of nostalgia and reboot strategy that utilizes the multiverse to seamlessly move from familiar faces to fresh talent within the broader context of the MCU.

2. Non-Jackman Wolverine Variants Have Appeared In The MCU

Deadpool & Wolverine

Although Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine has been the most memorable so far, Marvel Studios is preparing for new interpretations of the character – setting the stage for a future actor to step into the role in the main Marvel Cinematic Universe. In the series “Deadpool & Wolverine“, it’s made clear that there are various versions of Wolverine spread throughout different universes. One of the notable appearances is that of Henry Cavill, who plays a distinct version of Wolverine. This disclosure is crucial in demonstrating the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s adaptability when it comes to recasting and reinventing characters.

Incorporating multiple versions of Wolverine in a single film allows Marvel to demonstrate that Logan is not confined to a single character portrayal. This method mirrors the multiverse approach previously applied to characters like Spider-Man and Doctor Strange, now being extended to the X-Men universe. These alternative Wolverines validate the idea that audiences can embrace a fresh take on the character, as long as the narrative remains compelling. As the multiverse continues to introduce various Logans, it’s only a matter of time before Earth-616 introduces its definitive version – featuring a new actor, a new backstory, yet retaining the iconic unbreakable claws and berserker rage.

1. The Early MCU Teased Weapon X

The Incredible Hulk

Even before the term “mutant” was used in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there were hints about Wolverine’s origins hidden in early films. For instance, in the 2008 film, The Incredible Hulk, an opening montage detailed Bruce Banner’s connection to a type of Super Soldier program, which suggested deep-rooted military projects with a rich history. Interestingly, this sequence also showed documents related to the “Weapon Plus” program, a term that comic book fans quickly identified.

In the Marvel Universe, the Weapon Plus program was the underlying project that created Captain America and eventually transformed into Weapon X – a covert operation specialized in experimental procedures, such as enhancing Logan’s skeleton with adamantium. This subtle reference hints that aspects of the Weapon X legacy have been integral to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) since its inception, ready for further exploration. With adamantium verified by “Captain America: Brave New World,” the scene is now perfectly set.

The groundwork has been laid for quite some time, allowing for Wolverine’s origin story to be told either via flashbacks or new characters within a government-backed program. This is like a seed that was sown years ago, now ripe and ready to develop into one of the most eagerly awaited Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) characters. Even though they don’t currently own the rights to the character, the MCU has been hinting at Wolverine from its inception.

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2025-06-01 14:14