Warning! This article contains spoilers for Deadpool & Wolverine.
Summary
Zack Snyder was right when he said, “I always think you could have more Henry,” and now I’m convinced that theMCUshould have him as its Wolverine after his cameo inDeadpool & Wolverine. The latest MCU movie was released two weeks ago and, as expected, wascrammed full of Marvel cameos. Most of these were from erstwhile Marvel actors from long-gone franchises - Fox’sX-Menin particular - but of the handful of new ones, Henry Cavill’s exceptionally brief appearance as a Wolverine variant is easily one of the best.
As brief as it was, it is the first time that Cavill has portrayed a superhero sincehanging up the cape as the DCEU’s Supermanin 2022. His departure from DC’s cinematic franchise came as a shock, rattling many fans who considered his portrayal of the superhero iconic - myself included. It seems that DCEU visionary Zack Snyder agrees, as he recently lamented that he had hoped for more of Cavill in the cape, but also that his legacy can continue in a new direction withMarvel Studios as its very own Wolverine.
The Henry Cavill MCU Wolverine Casting Rumors Explained
Henry Cavill has long been a popular choice among fans to play the MCU’s Wolverine, but some rumors claimed he’d be cast. Now, we break them down.
Zack Snyder’s Right, I Think The MCU Needs More Henry Cavill
A recent interview withThe Hollywood Reportersaw Zack Snyder, who directed all ofHenry Cavill’s major DCEU appearances, commenting on the actor’sDeadpool & Wolverinecameo. When asked about the scene,Snyder remarked that he had yet to seeDeadpool & Wolverine, but clarified that it sounded fun from what he’d heard. When questioned on his feelings about Cavill being sidelined by DC Studios once the DCU started to be conceived, he stated:
Well, Henry is an amazing Superman to me, obviously. I hired him. I wanted him to be Superman. So any coins left on the table are unfortunate, and in that way, it would be great to have more Henry. I always think you could have more Henry.
He is, of course, completely right. It was indeed unfortunate that Cavill was sidelined as Superman in favor of a younger actor in DC’s rebooted cinematic franchise, even if it does make sense. Yetit is fair to argue that Cavill’s superhero days are not done yet, especially considering how much he shone in his seconds-long scene as Wolverine in his MCU debut. In fact, just those few moments have significantly whetted my appetite for more of Cavill’s Wolverine, and I know exactly where he can return.
I’ve Figured Out How The MCU Could Bring Back Henry Cavill As Wolverine
Marvel’s own X-Men franchiseis en route and rumored to followAvengers: Secret Warsas the focal point of the MCU’s next phase. To state the obvious, this is the perfect place for Cavill to reprise his Wolverine role, as it remains unlikely that the MCU will continue rolling out Hugh Jackman until he’s 90 - no matter what Deadpool insists. It also gives Marvel the chance to capitalize on Cavill’s star power - which will come with the appropriate price tag - without making Wolverine the de facto protagonist once again.
Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine boasts three solo movies in Fox’s X-Men franchise and appeared in nine overall.
Alternatively, it could come much sooner.Deadpool & Wolverinewas a solid sign that Marvel can successfully deliver a movie crammed with cameos, andwhile Jackman is still in the running to appear one more time inAvengers: Secret Wars, the same can just as easily be so for Cavill. Whatever the case, even if Marvel decides to cast yet another actor in the role, the appetite for super-Cavill is voracious, and the myriad MCU roles in which he’s been fan-cast are testament to this.
If He’s Not Wolverine, I Want To See Henry Cavill As Another Marvel Hero
WhileDeadpool & Wolverinefinally delivered on one of Cavill’s most frequently demanded roles, plenty of other fan casts cut the mustard.Foremost among these is Captain Britain, who would give Cavill a chance to adopt his natural British accent (albeit with a little extra flair). There are also obvious similarities between Cavill’s famously bulky build and that of Brian Braddock. The lesser-known Union Jack is secondary to this popular casting, but would still work well for many of the same reasons.
Beyond that, Cavill has also been suggested as a pretty convincing Beyonder. While the character does not typically exude the chiseled macho vibe for which Cavill is known, it would be a compelling chance for the actor to demonstrate his range. Alternatively, with Cavill’s proven ability to convey the godlike superhero Superman, shifting to become a similar character in Marvel like the Eternal Hyperion would also make a lot of sense. Or he could capably portray another X-Men in the form of Cyclops, to which his commanding presence and leadership experience would lend itself well.
Whatever happens, I think it would be remiss of Marvel to tease audiences with Cavill’s Wolverine inDeadpool & Wolverineand not double down soon. While there is always the risk that kowtowing to fan casts might feel too much like fan service, it’s not hard to see that Cavill needs another chance to shine in the superhero sphere. You know it’s the right thing to do, Marvel.
Deadpool & Wolverine
Cast
A follow-up to the highly successful Deadpool and Deadpool 2 films starring Ryan Reynolds as the Merc with a Mouth. The third film will be the first in the franchise to be developed under the Marvel Studios banner following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox.
