Keanu Reeves has recently revealed that he wants to play Wolverine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Rumors of The Matrix and John Wick star coming to the MCU have been circulating for a number of years, with many theories arising over who Reeves could portray in Marvel Studios’ shared franchise. After Disney’s 2019 acquisition of 20th Century Fox, the options for MCU roles for Keanu Reeves increased tenfold. While it would be brilliant to see Reeves in the MCU in some capacity, his personal choice of character perhaps wouldn’t be the best fit.
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MCU’s Phase 6 will see Hugh Jackman reprise the role of Wolverine, the clawed member of the X-Men who Jackman has played since 2000’s X-Men. It’s unlikely that Jackman will permanently play Wolverine in the MCU after the Multiverse Saga, opening the door for a new actor to don the legendary adamantium claws. During a Reddit AMA, Keanu Reeves was asked if there’s ever been a role he regretted turning down, and his answer was simple, “… No… But I did always want to play Wolverine.” While there might be a role for Keanu Reeves in the MCU’s future, there are several reasons why Wolverine wouldn’t be the best choice.

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Keanu Reeves’ Best Performances Don’t Really Suit Wolverine

Taking a look back over Keanu Reeves’ lengthy and varied career, none of his previous roles lend themselves to the typical personality that comes with a character as rugged as Wolverine. While Reeves has certainly mastered the right level of action for an MCU role through performances as Neo in The Matrix franchise and John Wick in the eponymous John Wick film series, these roles have placed Reeves as a cool and collected hero, unlike the yellow-costumed Wolverine. Reeves has also even played in the DC sandbox as Constantine’s titular character, but this still doesn’t match the right personality for the MCU’s Wolverine.

On the flip side, roles in River’s Edge, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, and My Own Private Idaho have demonstrated the more chilled-out sides to Reeves’ performance style, which certainly wouldn’t match up with the heroic but often abrasive Wolverine. There’s no doubt that Reeves would be able to throw himself into any role he’s gifted, but casting him as Wolverine in the MCU might detract from the trademark Keanu Reeves style that audiences love so much. Keanu Reeves’ role in the MCU needs to fit his brand, and Wolverine simply doesn’t fit the bill.

The MCU’s Wolverine Should Really Be Younger Than Keanu Reeves

Whoever is cast as Wolverine in the MCU should be expected to stick around for the long haul. As a member of the X-Men with regenerative healing ability, it’s incredibly difficult to kill Wolverine. Keanu Reeves is certainly still able to pack a punch, which will be demonstrated once again in May 2023 when John Wick: Chapter 4 releases, but the star is almost 60 years old and can’t be expected to be adventuring out with the X-Men in a decade or two. The actor who takes over the role of Wolverine from Hugh Jackman needs to be significantly younger, allowing for a much longer career in the MCU.

With so much anticipation surrounding Wolverine’s official debut in the MCU, an actor needs to be put in the role who can grow into it and carry it on for years to come. Keanu Reeves has been known to do this, as The Matrix has released four films, and a fifth film in the John Wick franchise has been confirmed, as well as Reeves reprising his role in the Ballerina spinoff, but it’s possible that Reeves won’t want to keep up with the heavy action scenes for much longer. Perhaps the MCU’s Wolverine would be better for someone in their 20s or 30s, enabling a huge future for the character.

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There Are More Interesting Casting Choices For The MCU’s Wolverine

Since Marvel Studios acquired the rights to the X-Men, and the team was confirmed to be coming to the MCU, many actors have had their names thrown in the ring when suggesting who could play Wolverine. Some believe that the MCU version of the mutant should be more comic-accurate than Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine, as the Marvel Comics character is a short and stout Canadian, though a variety of actors have been rumored to be vying for the iconic role. Among them include The Boys’ own Homelander, Anthony Starr, Joel Edgerton, Logan Marshall-Green, Charlie Hunnam, and even The Walking Dead alum Andrew Lincoln.

While any of these actors would certainly do a great job in the MCU, two names have stuck out as favorites for Wolverine, those being Taron Egerton and Daniel Radcliffe. Egerton gained recognition as Eggsy in Kingsman: The Secret Service but has gone on to have roles in Rocketman, Black Bird, and the upcoming Tetris movie, proving he has the versatility to take on such an iconic role as Wolverine. Radcliffe is a more interesting choice. Since rising to stardom as Harry Potter, Radcliffe has starred in a variety of low-budget, independent films with an impressive repertoire. Daniel Radcliffe as the MCU’s Wolverine would be a brilliant, if unexpected, choice.

There Are Better Marvel Characters For Keanu Reeves To Play

Even though Keanu Reeves might not be the best choice to play Wolverine, several other high-profile roles would be perfect for the star. The fact that Reeves is an in-demand and incredibly well-known actor means he’d have to fill a big role in the MCU. One of the most popular theories is that Reeves could portray the MCU’s Silver Surfer, the herald of the planet-eating Galactus, whose air of mystery and sinister nature could be perfect for Reeves. Or perhaps the looming Galactus himself would be the massive role that Reeves could tackle since the supervillain could be the next big bad after the MCU’s Multiverse Saga.

Other iconic roles pinned to Keanu Reeves potential MCU debut have included Ghost Rider, the Living Tribunal, or even Mister Sinister, the formidable X-Men villain who has yet to be introduced to the MCU. However, one role seems to fit better than any other, as one popular theory poses that Keanu Reeves could portray the MCU’s Doctor Doom. The infamous Fantastic Four supervillain is highly anticipated for the MCU, potentially coming during Phase 6’s Fantastic Four, and will surely have a bright future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, especially if Keanu Reeves takes on the challenge.

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