It’s only a matter of time before the X-Men join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the Russo Brothers think Chris Evans would be perfect for the part of Wolverine. Previously, the Russos directed Evans in the role of Captain America for several films. Evans also stars in the duo’s next Netflix feature, The Gray Man, opposite Ryan Gosling. While some may scoff at the idea of Evans playing two characters in the MCU, don’t forget that he played Johnny Storm/The Human Torch in Fox’s 2005 Fantastic Four and 2007’s Fantastic Four: The Rise of the Silver Surfer. It can be done, but should it?
Speaking on Comicbook.com‘s Phase Zero podcast, Joe and Anthony Russo commented on the idea of working with Evans on another Marvel project and who they would like to see him play. Joe Russo replied, “Wolverine,” and his brother agreed it was a good call.
“Evans has incredible range and great physicality, and he’s real good at body control,” Joe Russo continued. “He’s an incredible actor. I don’t mean this in a bad way, but he’s nothing like Captain America. Steve Rogers is very controlled and quiet, understated. Chris is energetic and funny and charismatic, and he brings a lot of energy to set. I’d love to see him do something like Wolverine.”
I think the Russos make several excellent points about Evans’ range as an actor, though I’m not sure he’d be game for another MCU commitment. Whoever ends up playing Wolverine as a part of Marvel rebooting X-Men will likely sign a multi-year contract, shackling them to an untold amount of screen time. While I think Evans can handle his own, his days of starring in MCU films for the long haul could be over. If anything, I could see him returning for a Captain America or Johnny Storm cameo, but that’s about it. However, stranger things have happened, and Evans is known for surprising fans with his unpredictability.
What do you think about Chris Evans playing Wolverine for the MCU? Are the Russos onto something, or is this all piss in the wind? When the time comes, I want to see a fresh face play Wolverine. I like the idea of someone new making the character their own. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.