Hugh Jackman Suggests Bollywood Star Could Play Wolverine Next

Foreign actors from the UK and Australia — such as Tom Holland, Christian Bale, Andrew Garfield, [...]

By Jay Jayson - March 3, 2017 07:19 pm EST

Foreign actors from the UK and Australia — such as Tom Holland, Christian Bale, Andrew Garfield, Henry Cavill, Chris Hemsworth, and Hugh Jackman — have been gobbling up American superhero roles for years. So give me one good reason why an Indian film actor can't take one as well?

After seventeen years and nine films, Jackman is bidding farewell to the role of Wolverine. Of course, James Mangold's R-rated gem Logan won't be the last time we see the Adamantium-clawed mutant on-screen. Eventually, 20th Century Fox will recast the role since Wolverine is one of the most popular character in their X-Men stable. However, to make sure the next actor gets a fair shot from audiences, it would be wise for the studio to wait as long as possible to re-introduce the character.

And how will Jackman react to seeing someone else playing Wolverine? "I… I think I'll be fine with it," the 48-year-old told Indian film critic Rajeev Masand. "I hope other people play him. Maybe Shah Rukh Khan can play him. Who knows, y'know?"

Khan, who known as the "King of Bollywood," has appeared in over 80 Bollywood films since making his debut in 1992's Deewana. However, since he is 3-years older than Jackman, it seems like a stretch that Khan would be considered to play Wolverine.

"The comic book series is so good because you've had so many people interpreting this role over so many years," Jackman added. "I think there's six origin stories. Everyone puts their own stamp on it. This is a great character. I'll be really interested to see...how I feel about it. I want it to be really great, but I don't want it to be that much better than me. Just a little bit better is fine, but if everyone's like, 'Oh thank God,' now...I might find that a little difficult."

In 2024 the mutant population has shrunk significantly and the X-Men have disbanded. Logan, whose power to self-heal is dwindling, has surrendered himself to alcohol and now earns a living as a chauffeur. He takes care of the ailing old Professor X whom he keeps hidden away. One day, a female stranger asks Logan to drive a girl named Laura to the Canadian border. At first he refuses, but the Professor has been waiting for a long time for her to appear. Laura possesses an extraordinary fighting prowess and is in many ways like Wolverine. She is pursued by sinister figures working for a powerful corporation; this is because her DNA contains the secret that connects her to Logan. A relentless pursuit begins … In this third cinematic outing featuring the Marvel comic book character Wolverine we see the superheroes beset by everyday problems. They are ageing, ailing and struggling to survive financially. A decrepit Logan is forced to ask himself if he can or even wants to put his remaining powers to good use. It would appear that in the near-future, the times in which they were able put the world to rights with razor sharp claws and telepathic powers are now over.

Logan stars Hugh Jackman (Logan), Boyd Holbrook (Donald Pierce), Patrick Stewart (Charles Xavier), Dafne Keen (Laura Kinney/X-23), Doris Morgado (Maria), Stephen Merchant (Caliban), Elizabeth Rodriguez (Gabriela), and Richard E. Grant (Dr. Zander Rice). James Mangold is directing and helped on the screenplay along with Scott Frank and Michael Green.

Logan hits theaters on March 3, 2017.

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