There are three standalone Wolverine movies: X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), The Wolverine (2013), and Logan (2017). Furthermore, Wolverine plays a significant role in several X-Men team films, blurring the line for some fans, but this article will focus specifically on movies primarily centering around the Wolverine character.
The Standalone Wolverine Trilogy
The journey of Wolverine on the big screen is a complex one, filled with origin stories, personal demons, and, ultimately, a poignant farewell. While he’s a staple in the larger X-Men franchise, his solo outings offer a deeper dive into the character’s psyche and his struggles with immortality, violence, and the search for meaning. Let’s explore each of these films in detail.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
This film attempts to chronicle Wolverine’s early life, tracing his history from his childhood in 19th-century Canada to his involvement with the Weapon X program and the acquisition of his adamantium skeleton. While it aimed to provide definitive answers to some of the biggest mysteries surrounding his past, X-Men Origins: Wolverine is often considered the weakest of the Wolverine-centric films. It explores his relationship with Victor Creed (Sabretooth), his time as a soldier, and the events that led to his memory loss. However, critical reception was poor, largely due to perceived plot holes, inconsistent characterization, and disappointing special effects. It’s important to note that, despite its shortcomings, this film is a critical part of understanding the Wolverine cinematic chronology.
The Wolverine (2013)
Taking a different approach, The Wolverine draws inspiration from Chris Claremont and Frank Miller’s acclaimed comic book storyline set in Japan. This film sees Logan grappling with the consequences of his immortality and searching for purpose after the events of X-Men: The Last Stand. He travels to Japan at the request of Ichirō Yashida, a man he saved during World War II, only to become embroiled in a conspiracy involving the Yakuza, ninjas, and the pursuit of immortality. The Wolverine is generally considered a significant improvement over X-Men Origins, offering a more mature and character-driven narrative, even featuring a post-credits scene tying it back to the larger X-Men universe and setting up the events of X-Men: Days of Future Past.
Logan (2017)
Considered by many to be a superhero masterpiece, Logan offers a gritty and emotionally resonant conclusion to Wolverine’s cinematic journey. Set in a dystopian future where mutants are nearly extinct, an aging and weary Logan is tasked with protecting a young mutant, Laura (X-23), who possesses similar powers to his own. The film abandons the typical superhero formula, opting for a more realistic and character-focused approach, exploring themes of mortality, legacy, and redemption. Logan is renowned for its raw violence, its poignant performances (especially by Hugh Jackman and Dafne Keen), and its emotionally devastating ending, providing a fitting and definitive farewell to the iconic character. This film is notable for being rated R, allowing for a more accurate and impactful portrayal of Wolverine’s brutal life and struggles.
Wolverine’s Role in the X-Men Films
While this article focuses on standalone Wolverine movies, it is important to acknowledge his central role in the X-Men franchise. He appears in X-Men (2000), X2: X-Men United (2003), X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), X-Men: Apocalypse (2016), and X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019). These appearances, particularly in X-Men: Days of Future Past, significantly impact the overall X-Men timeline and contribute to Wolverine’s established character arc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Wolverine Movies
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about the Wolverine films.
FAQ 1: Is Deadpool considered a Wolverine movie because Wolverine appears in it?
No. While Wolverine does make a brief, posthumous appearance in Deadpool 2 (via archival footage), it is ultimately a Deadpool film, not a Wolverine film. The focus is primarily on Deadpool’s story and adventures, with Wolverine’s appearance being a minor cameo. Therefore, Deadpool 2 does not count as one of the standalone Wolverine films.
FAQ 2: What is the correct viewing order for the Wolverine movies?
The chronological viewing order is generally accepted as X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Wolverine, and Logan. However, some prefer to view them in order of release, which is the same sequence. Keep in mind that X-Men: Days of Future Past also impacts Wolverine’s character arc significantly and is best viewed after The Wolverine but before Logan.
FAQ 3: Is there a post-credits scene in X-Men Origins: Wolverine?
Yes, there are multiple versions. The theatrical release featured a scene showing Wolverine waking up and walking away, suggesting he survived the adamantium bonding process. However, an alternate ending showed him reaching for his severed hand, implying his healing factor had restored it. These alternate endings added further ambiguity to an already controversial film.
FAQ 4: Why is Logan rated R?
Logan is rated R for strong brutal violence and language throughout, and for brief nudity. This rating allowed the filmmakers to depict Wolverine’s violence and the harsh reality of his world in a more realistic and impactful way, contributing significantly to the film’s mature tone and emotional resonance.
FAQ 5: Is The Wolverine Extended Cut worth watching?
Yes, many fans believe the The Wolverine Extended Cut is superior to the theatrical version. It features more violence, more character development, and a more intense overall experience. The extended cut adds approximately 12 minutes of footage and pushes the rating to R.
FAQ 6: Did Hugh Jackman win any awards for his portrayal of Wolverine?
While Hugh Jackman received numerous nominations for his portrayal of Wolverine, he did not win an Academy Award specifically for the role. However, he won a Golden Globe Award for his performance in Les Misérables, demonstrating his diverse acting abilities. His dedication to the role of Wolverine is widely celebrated and considered iconic, regardless of awards.
FAQ 7: Will Hugh Jackman ever return as Wolverine?
After years of definitive statements indicating Logan was his final Wolverine performance, Hugh Jackman has officially announced his return as Wolverine in Deadpool 3 which will be released in 2024. This will be a completely new iteration of the character, and is not a retcon of Logan, which is still considered to be the character’s definitive ending.
FAQ 8: Is there a connection between Logan and the comics?
While Logan is not a direct adaptation of any specific comic book storyline, it draws inspiration from several sources, including the Old Man Logan comic book series. It captures the essence of an aging and weary Wolverine grappling with his mortality and the consequences of his past. The aesthetic and thematic elements are more important than direct plot adaptations.
FAQ 9: What is the significance of adamantium in the Wolverine movies?
Adamantium is the virtually indestructible metal that coats Wolverine’s skeleton and claws. It grants him superhuman strength, durability, and offensive capabilities, making him a formidable warrior. However, it also poses a risk to his health, slowly poisoning him over time, as depicted in Logan. The adamantium is central to his identity and his struggles.
FAQ 10: What are X-23’s powers in Logan?
Laura, also known as X-23, possesses similar powers to Wolverine, including a healing factor, adamantium claws (two on her hands and one on each foot), and enhanced strength and agility. She is a clone of Wolverine, making her his biological daughter. Her powers are crucial to the plot of Logan and her ability to survive in a hostile world.
FAQ 11: What are some of the key themes explored in the Wolverine movies?
The Wolverine movies explore a variety of complex themes, including immortality and its consequences, the burden of violence, the search for identity and belonging, and the importance of family and legacy. These themes resonate with audiences and contribute to the character’s enduring popularity.
FAQ 12: Are there any plans for future Wolverine solo films?
With Hugh Jackman’s upcoming role in Deadpool 3, the future of Wolverine in cinema is somewhat uncertain. Whether Disney, now holding the rights to the X-Men franchise, will create new Wolverine centric movies remains to be seen. Given his continued popularity, it seems likely that we will see more of Wolverine on the big screen in the future, whether in team films or solo adventures, perhaps with a different actor taking up the mantle.