Wolverine is one of the most popular superheroes of all time, but new events from Captain America: Brave New World have suggested that he may not actually be that special within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the debut of a new Wolverine has not yet been confirmed, many expect this to occur in an upcoming Marvel film. Following teases toward his origin, and the details aligning for his introduction, there is some hope that this will happen very soon.

Hugh Jackman has played Wolverine for many years, but the actor cannot play the role forever. Many have argued that Wolverine should not be recast in the MCU, and that Hugh Jackman should continue to play the character. I believe this would be a mistake. The Fox X-Men movies were wonderful, but no element or casting is sacrosanct. Audiences have simply not yet seen a new performer take on the role, which makes it hard to imagine. Still, there are many new actors who should play Wolverine in the MCU.

Captain America Introduces Adamantium In A Very Different Way

Brave New World Sees Adamantium Being Mined From A Celestial

Until now, Vibranium has been the most important metal in the MCU. However, Captain America: Brave New World has finally introduced Adamantium to the series, and this was done in an unusual way. Adamantium’s introduction is actually a retcon of Eternals, with the metal being found inside a fallen Celestial. The metal seems to be an incredible resource, and each of the nations on Earth has worked hard to get their hands on some of it.

This departs from the comics, where Adamantium was actually a man-made alloy. Generally constructed of steel, Vibranium, and other components which are usually not disclosed, Adamantium was intended as an invention rather than a natural occurrence. Changing this in the MCU is an interesting choice, but it helps the events of Eternals to feel more impactful on the universe overall. It remains to be seen if other changes will be made to the metal’s makeup and use.

If Adamantium Is A Worldwide Concern, Is Wolverine As Special?

Everyone Knows Of And Wants Adamantium In The MCU

Adamantium has been used in all kinds of different Marvel Comics stories, but one thing that has remained consistent is how difficult it is to acquire the metal. Wolverine’s skeleton is covered with Adamantium, and this is an incredible and expensive procedure that very few would have the funds or access to, even if they had regenerative healing powers to survive it. Wolverine becomes special in the MCU because his skeleton becomes one of the strongest things in the entire universe, and it appears that may be done away with in the films.

In the MCU, ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool has already received Adamantium swords, and world governments have all worked hard to get their hands on the rare metal. With its awareness and potential use already so popular, this could diminish Wolverine’s importance and novelty. It is unclear how much Adamantium there is to gain from Tiamut, but if everyone in the world has Adamantium, then its importance, and thereby the significance of Wolverine’s power set, could be significantly reduced. I believe this would be disappointing for Wolverine’s presence in the universe.

Wolverine Would Suggest The Adamantium Arms Race Isn’t Over

There Is Likely More To Come From The Metal In The MCU

The director of Brave New World confirmed that Adamantium will lead to Weapon X eventually, although it seems this may be a ways off. While the arms race element is currently occurring in the MCU, the actual uses and weaponizing of that metal remain to be seen. The presence of Adamantium could in fact be greatly reduced as the world’s governments and military attempt to weaponize it unsuccessfully. This could lead to Wolverine being one of the few successful Adamantium projects.

The promise of Weapon X storylines in the MCU is very exciting. The technology and the character have remained special in the comics and, while I am wary of how the MCU could use Adamantium, it is surely important to Marvel that Wolverine remain a very special character. I hope that they will use whatever stories and details they need to in order to retain his importance. Having the US develop Weapon X could make for an excellent story to follow these events, and quickly bring Wolverine into the franchise.

After doing away with some of their most beloved figures from the Infinity Saga, Marvel needs more characters that people love. Casting a new Wolverine is going to bring a lot of excitement with it, but tying his origin in to the overarching story of the franchise could make it even more effective. This is a difficult task, and the specialness of Wolverine must be maintained. I hope that Marvel finds a way to do this in a way that is unique, clever, and satisfying soon.

Upcoming MCU Movies

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  Thunderbolts*

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  May 2, 2025
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  The Fantastic Four: First Steps

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  July 25, 2025
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  Avengers: Doomsday (2026)

  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  
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  Spider-Man Homecoming 4

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  July 24, 2026
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  Avengers: Secret Wars

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  May 7, 2027
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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