Karl Urban responds to “flattering” Wolverine rumors

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is the all-encompassing mega-franchise that brings all Marvel superheroes together in one continuity. And while older Marvel movie franchises have been explored via the multiverse — for instance, Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy — there’s always an opportunity to cast fresh faces in beloved roles. With Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, it’s inevitable that we’ll see Wolverine enter the MCU at some point.

After 17 years playing Logan/Wolverine, Hugh Jackman finally decided to hang up his claws. It’s hard to imagine anyone other than Jackman portraying Wolverine. Like Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man or Chris Evans as Captain America, it feels like anyone else playing the part is doomed to fail.

However, if one actor could do it justice, it would be Karl Urban. He’s a superhero veteran himself, having already famously played Judge Dredd in Dredd (2012), and of course, he’s currently playing Billy Butcher in The Boys. Wolverine seems tailor-made for him. But sadly, the actor has already counted himself out.

Speaking to The Guardian, Urban explained why he doesn’t see himself as a good fit for the character.

"Oh really? It’s flattering, but you have to rationally think about it. I’m what, two years younger than Hugh Jackman? I mean, if I was a studio looking to cast someone as Wolverine, I’d pick someone I’ll get three films out of. You’re not going to get three films out of Karl Urban unless you want a 65-year-old Wolverine."

He’s actually four years younger than Hugh Jackman, but yes, we get the point. Anyway, he might not be in the MCU anytime soon, but he’s currently in The Boys season 3, which is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. This season promises to be the wildest one yet, and that really is saying something!

Who could play Wolverine in the MCU? 

Perhaps the other most popular choice to play Wolverine is Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe. He’s still young, and he can grow into the role over 10 years or so. Everything about him checks out.

Sadly, he too has been squashing rumors, despite also saying he’s “flattered” to be seen as a successor to Jackman. Ultimately, the rumor is just a rumor. “There’s nothing behind that,” he previously told The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

Is Wolverine becoming the most popular role that no one wants?

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