Fans Pick Their Next Wolverine for X-Men & It’s Not Henry Cavill

Marvel’s search for the next Wolverine remains firmly in fan-casting territory, but one actor keeps gaining attention whenever the conversation turns to Logan. If it becomes a reality, the choice would mark a sharp departure from the towering version audiences have known for decades.

Matt Wood is the latest name fans have picked for next Wolverine

The latest buzz centers on Matt Wood, whose profile remains relatively modest compared with the names often linked to major superhero roles. Wood’s best-known recent performance came as John Belushi in Saturday Night, but fans now see another possible use for his look. They think that he’ll be bringing a more comic-accurate Logan to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (via Forbes).

One fan summed up the enthusiasm online, writing, “Yeah, Marvel so far is killing it with casting. Now give me Matt Wood as Wolverine.” The commenter also suggested that keeping Wolverine out of the first X-Men movie could actually work in Marvel’s favor.

Height sits at the heart of the argument. Hugh Jackman stands around 6-foot-2, while Wood is reportedly believed to be 5-foot-7. Yet comic-book Logan measures only about 5-foot-3. That difference has long made Wolverine unusual among superheroes, since the character relies more on ferocity and attitude than imposing stature. Deadpool & Wolverine even played with that contrast by using Luke Bennett’s smaller body beneath Jackman’s digitally altered face.

Wood has also shown that he would happily transform himself for the role. Responding to the online fancasting, he invoked Chris Pratt’s dramatic physical change for Guardians of the Galaxy and joked about getting the full Marvel makeover. “Marvel come on, juice me up, I’ll be jacked,” Wood said, adding that he wanted the chef and trainer treatment.

The idea still faces a major hurdle. Marvel has not confirmed who will inherit Wolverine, or even whether Logan will appear alongside the initial MCU X-Men lineup. Jackman remains connected to the franchise and is expected to appear in Avengers: Secret Wars. Thus, it is also possible that he might continue the role in some form.