As Hugh Jackman hangs up his claws after an iconic run as Wolverine, the question on every Marvel fan’s mind is: who will take up the mantle next? With Jackman’s final portrayal of the beloved character in Deadpool & Wolverine, the search for a successor has intensified, sparking speculation and fan debates across the globe.

While Henry Cavill has been a popular choice, especially after his surprise appearance in Deadpool & Wolverine, another name has entered the conversation—Blake Lively’s It Ends With Us co-star, Brandon Sklenar.

Brandon Sklenar, known for his compelling performances in independent films and television, has recently expressed his interest in taking on the role of Wolverine. During an interview with Extra TV, Sklenar couldn’t contain his excitement when discussing his admiration for Hugh Jackman, whom he had the opportunity to meet while promoting It Ends With Us with Blake Lively.

“I was like a little kid,” Sklenar recounted, describing the surreal experience of meeting one of his acting idols. “I didn’t know he was going to be there until like a couple hours before… I mean he’s one of the reasons I’m an actor and the man’s incredible.”

When asked if he would consider playing Wolverine, Sklenar didn’t shy away from the idea. Though he acknowledged the enormous responsibility that comes with the role, he expressed a genuine desire to give it a shot.

“I feel like [Jackman] might drop playing that role, you know what I mean? He’ll probably play that role till he’s an old man,” Sklenar joked, recognizing the immense legacy Jackman has built over his 24 years as Wolverine. However, he added, “But yeah, if that came about for sure, I mean those would be big shoes to fill, but I’d love to take a swing at that.”

The prospect of Sklenar stepping into Wolverine’s shoes would be a significant leap in his career. While he has gained recognition for his work, taking on a role as iconic as Wolverine would undoubtedly catapult him to global stardom.

However, with that opportunity comes the inevitable scrutiny and comparisons to Jackman, whose portrayal of the character has set a gold standard in the superhero genre.

Interestingly, Hugh Jackman himself seems to have given a nod of approval to the idea of Sklenar as his successor. During a promotional interview, Jackman, in what appeared to be a light-hearted skit, hinted that Sklenar could be the next Wolverine. “I think we found the next Wolverine,” Jackman quipped, adding fuel to the fire of fan speculation.

The conversation, which also involved Ryan Reynolds and his mother, turned into a playful roast of Sklenar, particularly over his role as Blake Lively’s love interest in It Ends With Us. Despite the humorous tone, Jackman’s comment has been taken seriously by fans who are now considering Sklenar as a potential candidate for the role.

Meanwhile, the buzz surrounding Henry Cavill as a possible Wolverine successor has not died down. Cavill’s cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine was a thrilling moment for fans, especially those who have long envisioned the British actor as the feral mutant.

Cavill, who is widely known for his role as Superman in the DCEU, has the physique, intensity, and star power that many believe would make him an excellent Wolverine. His involvement in the film has reignited hopes that he might continue to portray the character in future X-Men movies.

Cavill’s potential as Wolverine has been a topic of discussion for years, with fans rallying for his casting across social media platforms. His cameo in the recent film served as a nod to this fan support, showing that Marvel Studios is paying attention to what the audience wants.

However, it remains uncertain whether Cavill will fully embrace the role or if his appearance was simply a one-off to satisfy fan curiosity.

The decision of who will be the next Wolverine is one that Marvel Studios cannot take lightly. The character of Wolverine, with his adamantium claws, unbreakable skeleton, and feral rage, is one of the most beloved in the Marvel universe.

Jackman’s portrayal of Logan has become synonymous with the character, making the task of finding a successor daunting. Whoever steps into the role will have to navigate the delicate balance of honoring Jackman’s legacy while bringing something fresh and new to the character.

As the debate continues, both Sklenar and Cavill offer intriguing possibilities for the future of Wolverine. Sklenar, with his earnest passion for the role and rising star status, could bring a new energy and perspective to Wolverine.

On the other hand, Cavill, with his established fan base and experience in the superhero genre, could bring the character to new heights within the MCU.

While fans eagerly await Marvel’s decision, the excitement surrounding the future of Wolverine is palpable. Whether it’s Sklenar, Cavill, or another actor entirely, the next Wolverine will have big shoes to fill—but also the opportunity to leave their own mark on one of Marvel’s most iconic characters.

For now, all eyes are on Marvel Studios as they prepare to unveil the next chapter in Wolverine’s storied history.