In a development that has set the internet ablaze with excitement and debate, fresh rumors suggest that Marvel Studios is planning something unprecedented for the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s upcoming saga: not one, but two distinct versions of Wolverine coexisting within the same narrative universe. According to insider reports circulating in early 2026, the studio intends to introduce a brand-new actor to portray the classic, prime-age Wolverine as part of the rebooted X-Men team, while Hugh Jackman — the actor synonymous with the character for over two decades — reprises his role specifically as the grizzled, battle-worn Old Man Logan variant.

This bold dual-casting approach would mark a significant evolution in how Marvel handles legacy characters in the post-Endgame, post-multiverse era. It allows the MCU to honor Jackman’s iconic portrayal without forcing him into the physically demanding role of a younger, more agile Logan indefinitely, while simultaneously building a fresh future for the mutant franchise.

The rumor first gained serious traction from reliable scooper James Mack, a VFX artist with a track record of accurate MCU insights. In mid-January 2026 posts and discussions, Mack stated that Marvel has no plans to phase out Jackman anytime soon.

Instead, the next major saga — likely kicking off after the conclusion of the Multiverse Saga with Avengers: Secret Wars — will feature “two Wolverines coexisting simultaneously.” One would be a new face leading the X-Men lineup in their own films and team adventures, while Jackman continues as Old Man Logan, perhaps in select high-profile appearances, crossovers, or even a dedicated story arc inspired by the beloved “Old Man Logan” comic storyline.

Fans have long speculated about this kind of transition. Jackman’s Wolverine debuted in 2000’s X-Men and became the emotional anchor of Fox’s X-Men film series, culminating in the critically acclaimed 2017 standalone Logan — widely regarded as one of the finest superhero films ever made. In that film, Jackman portrayed an aging, weary Logan protecting a young clone-daughter figure, Laura (X-23), in a dystopian future. The movie felt like a definitive send-off, with Jackman himself stating multiple times that it was his farewell to the claws.

Yet the multiverse changed everything. 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine brought Jackman back as a reluctant, “worst” variant of Logan from a destroyed timeline, teaming up with Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool in a meta, R-rated blockbuster that shattered box-office records and rekindled massive fan demand for more. Jackman’s chemistry with Reynolds, combined with nostalgic callbacks and emotional depth, proved there was still gas left in the tank. Now, rumors indicate Marvel wants to capitalize on that goodwill without over-relying on one actor.

The strategy makes narrative and practical sense. Introducing a new Wolverine for the core X-Men reboot — expected to arrive in the late 2020s as part of the MCU’s new saga — allows the studio to cast a younger performer who can commit to a decade-long arc. This Logan could headline solo adventures, integrate into ensemble X-Men stories, and interact with the wider MCU in ways that reflect a prime, regenerating berserker at his peak.

Meanwhile, Jackman’s Old Man Logan could serve as a mentor figure, a multiversal variant pulled into major events, or even star in more introspective, limited-series style projects exploring themes of legacy, mortality, and redemption.

Such an approach isn’t without precedent in superhero media. DC has juggled multiple Batmen across films and shows, while Marvel itself has embraced variants — think Loki’s many versions or the different Spider-Men in No Way Home. Having two Wolverines could create fascinating storytelling opportunities: a grizzled veteran encountering his younger successor, philosophical clashes over violence and heroism, or even a reluctant team-up against a shared threat. Imagine Old Man Logan advising the new X-Men’s Wolverine during a crisis, or a multiversal incursion forcing the two Logans to confront their shared rage and trauma.

Of course, the idea has sparked polarized reactions among fans. Supporters praise it as a respectful way to preserve Jackman’s legacy while injecting new energy into the X-Men corner of the MCU. “It’s smart,” one fan commented on social media. “Hugh as Old Man Logan forever, and a fresh face for the team books — best of both worlds.” Others worry it could dilute the character’s impact or confuse casual audiences. “Wolverine is one guy,” another argued. “Two at once feels like fan service gone wrong.”

Casting the new Wolverine will undoubtedly be one of Marvel’s most scrutinized decisions in years. The role demands physicality, raw intensity, and the ability to convey deep pain beneath a gruff exterior. Names like Daniel Radcliffe (for a darker take), Taron Egerton, or even rising stars with martial arts backgrounds have floated in speculation, though nothing has been confirmed.

Regardless of who steps into the yellow suit next, the prospect of two Wolverines signals Marvel’s confidence in the mutants’ future. After years of teases and delays following the Disney-Fox merger, the X-Men are finally poised to join the MCU in full force. Pairing a reinvented team with Jackman’s enduring presence could create the kind of generational storytelling that keeps audiences invested for another decade or more.

As the MCU transitions into its next chapter, one thing seems clear: the claws aren’t going anywhere. Whether roaring in their prime or limping through a hard-earned retirement, Wolverine — or Wolverines — will remain a cornerstone of Marvel’s cinematic empire. Fans can only wait (im)patiently for official announcements, but if these rumors hold true, the next saga promises more adamantium-fueled action than ever before.