It’s only a matter of time before the X-Men debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Hugh Jackman famously played Wolverine for years over at Fox, but he seems to have retired from the role and we can expect a new face to take his place. But who should it be?
Joe and Anthony Russo, the guys behind huge Marvel movies like Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Civil War as well as both Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, have a firm answer. They’re about to release a new espionage thriller called The Grey Man on Netflix, starring Chris “Captain America” Evans in the lead role. When ComicBook.com asked them what other Marvel character they’d like to see Evans play, Joe immediately answered, “Wolverine.”
"Evans has incredible range and a great physicality, and he’s really good at body control. He’s an incredible actor. He is absolutely–I don’t mean this in a bad way–but he’s nothing like Captain America. Steve Rogers is very controlled and quiet and understated. Chris is energetic and funny and charismatic, and he brings a lot of energy to set. He’s just a really incredible actor, I’d love to see him do something like Wolverine."
Of course, given that Evans already played one iconic Marvel hero, he’s unlikely to get cast as another…unless they pull some multiverse nonsense, which honestly seems very possible considering how much the movies and shows have focused on that of late.
Chris Evans would rather come back as the Human Torch than Captain America
There are also plenty of fans who would like to see Evans return as Captain America, but he sounds wary of that. “Cap is so precious to me,” Evans recently told MTV News. “And you know, I almost don’t wanna disrupt what a beautiful experience that was.”
But Cap isn’t the only Marvel character Evans has played. He also played Johnny Storm, aka the Human Torch, in a couple of mediocre Fantastic Four movies back in the ’00s. Evans actually thinks it’d be an “easier sell” to convince him to reprise that role. “I feel like he didn’t really get his day,” Evans said. “That was before Marvel really found its footing. So, I loved that role and, you know, who knows?”
Marvel is making a new Fantastic Four movie, so who knows what could happen?
We’ll see if that goes anywhere. In the meantime, The Grey Man hits Netflix on July 22 after premiering in select theaters the week before.
To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.
Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels
h/t The A.V. Club