5 Actors Who Could Replace Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in the New X-Men

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Let's get one thing straight right off the bat: Hugh Jackman IS the perfect Wolverine. Period.

Even his X-Men co-star James McAvoy joked that when AI takes over Hollywood, the one role it won't dare touch is Hugh's Wolverine.

"The AI will say: No, he nailed it! Seriously, he's the best!" James said, according to Ew.com.

But let's imagine for a second that decides to take a break (or maybe hang up the claws for good).
Actor Hugh Jackman in a black suit with gray hair
Frames from the "Logan" trailer
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Especially since Marvel's planning to reboot X-Men after "Avengers: Secret Wars," which hits theaters in 2027. And someone's going to have to play the perpetually angry guy with the adamantium skeleton.

We thought it through and put together five actors who could theoretically handle this burden: from the star of the Kingsman franchise to Mel Gibson's own son.

Taron Egerton

This is the most obvious and popular fan choice. Egerton's already worked with Jackman ("Eddie the Eagle"), he's in killer shape (remember "Kingsman"), and he's got a pretty rugged, if not downright tough look.
Taron Egerton in the "Carry-On" trailer
He's not too tall, which is closer to the canonical comic book Wolverine, and he's equally good at drama and action. It's a safe bet, but one that works.

Tom Hardy

If you need an actor who can play genuine primal rage hidden under a melancholic exterior, that's Hardy.

He's a master of physical transformation and knows how to play characters who growl more than they talk. So it's a perfect fit.
Tom Hardy in the "Venom" trailer
His Wolverine would be less charming than Jackman's, sure, but way more feral and dangerous. Picture him as Logan from the "Old Man Logan" comics—perfect.

Daniel Radcliffe

The boy who lived. This choice isn't a joke, don't worry. Radcliffe has spent the last ten years desperately proving he's a versatile actor by taking the craziest roles.

He's short (hello again, comics!), and in recent years he's seriously bulked up (and not just physically, but as an actor too). This would be the most unexpected and bold casting choice, and it could totally work.
Daniel Radcliffe screaming while flexing his muscles
Daniel Radcliffe in the fourth season of "Miracle Workers"
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Can't picture him as Wolverine? Remember that viral internet photo from the fourth season of Miracle Workers, where he played road warrior Sid. Everything will click into place.

Milo Gibson

Son of that Mel Gibson. He's got his father's charisma and that piercing, slightly unhinged stare.

Milo hasn't been overexposed in major projects yet, which means audiences won't bring baggage to the role.
Actors Milo and Mel Gibson embrace in black suits
Milo and Mel Gibson
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He could be the "dark horse" — a fresh face for a new era of X-Men.

Kingsley Ben-Adir

One of the most compelling actors of his generation. And the most unconventional choice for Wolverine.
Kingsley Ben-Adir in the trailer for "One Night in Miami"
Kingsley's already played wildly different characters: from Malcolm X to Bob Marley. So transformation won't be an issue.

Ben-Adir could show us a completely different Wolverine — not just a beast, but a deeply damaged man exhausted by his long, brutal life (almost like in "Logan"). Earlier, we at zoomboola.com covered in detail Marvel's plans to completely reboot the X-Men.