Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine In Marvel’s What If...?

Marvel Studios’ What If…? Season 3 has been making waves with its multiversal storytelling, but a major opportunity to include Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine in the animated series fell through. Fans were eager to see Jackman reprise his iconic role in an unexpected medium, especially following his triumphant return in Deadpool & Wolverine earlier this year. However, the chance to bring the adamantium-clawed mutant into What If…? never materialized, leaving audiences wondering why.

The idea to include Wolverine came during the development of the show’s third season. Despite the creative potential, story limitations and Marvel’s acquisition timeline caused the plan to collapse, leaving what could have been an unforgettable moment unrealized.

Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine in Marvel’s What If... – What Happened to the Plan (1) — Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine in Marvel’s What If… – What Happened to the Plan (1)

Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine: A Missed Opportunity in What If…?

Director Bryan Andrews recently shed light on this missed chance in an interview with Phase Hero’s Brandon Davis. He revealed that the inclusion of Wolverine in What If…? was on the table but ultimately failed to make it into production.

Andrews explained how the timing of Disney’s acquisition of Fox complicated the use of X-Men characters:

“When we were doing this episode, we didn’t even know if that purchase had been made… now things had been chosen, done, and were in production.”

This meant that despite having access to characters like Storm from X-Men ‘97, the team couldn’t utilize Wolverine during Season 3’s development. Andrews admitted the team was “totally kicking [themselves]” for not incorporating these iconic mutants sooner.

Why Was Wolverine Left Out of What If…??

The production timeline and licensing hurdles played a crucial role in excluding Wolverine. While the acquisition of Fox allowed Marvel Studios to bring the X-Men into the MCU, the deal wasn’t finalized during the critical planning phase for What If…? Season 3.

As Andrews put it:

“We easily could’ve been doing more stuff with X-Men… hell, we could’ve even done Hugh Jackman Wolverine.”

But by the time the rights were secured, What If…? was too far along in production to make any significant changes.

What Could Have Been: Wolverine in Animation

Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine is beloved by fans, making his potential appearance in What If…? a tantalizing prospect. While Marvel missed this opportunity, Jackman’s return in Deadpool & Wolverine proves his character still has a place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The threequel, which grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide, reignited fan enthusiasm for the mutant hero.

What Does the Future Hold for Wolverine in the MCU?

Although What If…? Season 3 is reportedly the final installment of the animated anthology, the multiverse offers countless opportunities for Wolverine’s return in other projects. With X-Men ’97 bringing back the animated team, Marvel could potentially explore a multiversal crossover that includes Jackman’s Wolverine alongside the animated mutants.

Fans can also look forward to Wolverine’s continued impact on the live-action MCU. Speculation is rife about Jackman’s involvement in future projects, especially after Deadpool & Wolverine’s success. Marvel has made it clear they’re eager to capitalize on his legacy as one of the most iconic X-Men.

Could What If…? Return with Wolverine?

While there’s no confirmation of more episodes for What If…?, the possibility remains open. Marvel has a treasure trove of characters left to explore, and Jackman’s Wolverine would undoubtedly top the list for any potential revival.

For now, audiences can enjoy What If…? Season 3 as it airs new episodes daily through December 29, and revisit Jackman’s iconic performance in Deadpool & Wolverine, now streaming on Disney+.

What Do You Think?

Would you have loved to see Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine in Marvel’s What If…?? Share your thoughts about his potential in animation and what projects you hope to see him in next!