The Epic Battle: Wolverine vs. Hulk in New MCU Fan Art
A look at the exciting showdown between Wolverine and the Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including details about Wolverine's introduction, the historic battle, and hints from the MCU.
The Historic Battle of Wolverine and the Hulk
Ahead of his debut in Deadpool 3, Hugh Jackman's Wolverine has been depicted battling the Hulk in brutal new MCU fan art. Hugh Jackman portrayed James 'Logan' Howlett, a.k.a. Wolverine, between 2000's X-Men and 2017's Logan in Fox's X-Men Universe, and despite retiring from the role after Logan, Jackman was confirmed to be returning as Wolverine for Marvel Studios' Deadpool 3 in September 2022. While Jackman is reprising his iconic role in the MCU's Phase 5, a new actor is expected to don Wolverine's claws in the MCU's future, creating the opportunity for one of Marvel Comics' most iconic battles between Wolverine and the Hulk to be depicted in live-action.
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in comic-accurate costumes in the MCU's Deadpool 3
Marvel Comics' The Incredible Hulk #180, released in 1974, saw Bruce Banner's Hulk battle a Wendigo in a Canadian forest, though the pair are soon interrupted by Wolverine in his debut appearance. This battle has since gone down in history as the perfect introduction to Wolverine, but has never been adapted into live-action, as the characters' film rights previously resided with different studios. However, with Wolverine soon coming to the MCU, the opportunity is finally there for him to battle Mark Ruffalo's Hulk, and this epic fight has been depicted in some stunning fan art shared by Esheffects, proving the strength and brutality of both of these almost-feral superhuman characters.
Wolverine running through forest in Logan
Marvel Comics' The Incredible Hulk #180 saw Bruce Banner's Hulk battle a Wendigo in a Canadian forest, though the pair are soon interrupted by Wolverine in his debut appearance. This battle has since gone down in history as the perfect introduction to Wolverine, but has never been adapted into live-action, as the characters' film rights previously resided with different studios. However, with Wolverine soon coming to the MCU, the opportunity is finally there for him to battle Mark Ruffalo's Hulk, and this epic fight has been depicted in some stunning fan art shared by Esheffects, proving the strength and brutality of both of these almost-feral superhuman characters.
What We Know About Wolverine’s MCU Introduction
The details of Wolverine's introduction into the MCU proper haven't yet been revealed, and likely won't be until Deadpool 3 releases on July 26, 2024. However, with Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool making the move to the MCU permanently after debuting in Fox's X-Men Universe, there's no doubt that Deadpool 3 will be exploring a multiversal storyline that suggests Hugh Jackman will be portraying the same iteration of the clawed mutant from previous projects. This means Deadpool 3 will likely be set before the events of Logan, as the film's 2029-set storyline ended with Wolverine's death. However, this fails to take into account the Wolverine teases that the MCU has already showcased.
Ryan Reynolds wearing Hugh Jackman mask in Deadpool
Phase 4's She-Hulk: Attorney at Law included several hints at the existence of Wolverine in the MCU's current continuity, especially when referencing a man fighting with 'metal claws' in a bar brawl, and with Nikki's 'SNIKT' moment with make-up brushes. These teases suggest a version of Wolverine is already active in the MCU, prior to Hugh Jackman's return in Deadpool 3, though Marvel Studios hasn't yet confirmed who will sport the claws after Jackman finally bids farewell to the role. With an X-Men reboot in development at Marvel Studios, it may not be too long before a new version of Wolverine makes his way into the MCU.
She-Hulk Attorney at Law's website page with Wolverine tease
The Future of Wolverine in the MCU
With Hugh Jackman's return as Wolverine in Deadpool 3 and the potential for a new actor to take on the role in future MCU projects, the future of Wolverine in the MCU is a topic of much speculation. The character's introduction and the hints from the MCU suggest that Wolverine's presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe will be a significant and impactful one. As fans eagerly await the release of Deadpool 3 and the unveiling of Wolverine's future in the MCU, the anticipation for this epic clash between Wolverine and the Hulk continues to grow, fueled by the stunning fan art depicting the historic battle.
