Why the MCU Must Avoid This Wolverine Story at All Costs

Following their groundbreaking partnership in the cinematic world, I can’t help but feel that it’s just a question of when rather than if we’ll see Wolverine reappear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The buzz is growing that Hugh Jackman, our beloved Wolverine, might make a comeback elsewhere in the MCU, with many speculating he could appear in the upcoming Avengers films. Given Wolverine’s enduring popularity, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with icons like Spider-Man, it feels only a matter of time before we witness his return for a solo story within the MCU and not just sharing the spotlight with Deadpool.

Marvel Studios often takes comic book stories as their foundation for adaptations, and with numerous captivating tales about Wolverine, there’s a rich trove of content that could be brought to life on screen. However, one Wolverine story that Marvel Studios should steer clear from is “Old Man Logan.” This timeless tale has gained much love among fans – even hinted at in Deadpool & Wolverine – yet it should remain confined within the pages of the comics.

Old Man Logan Isn’t the Type of Story Marvel Studios Does Well

Marvel has taken a big gamble on multiverse storytelling, which made hits like Deadpool and Wolverine possible. However, their history with multiverse projects is mixed. While Loki and these two heroes are popular and well-received, other multiverse-focused Marvel productions like Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and What If…? have received less favorable reviews. The disappointing performance of Quantumania marked the end of what was previously known as the Multiverse Saga. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness earns praise for director Sam Raimi’s unique style, but not much else. Marvel seems to have missed the mark with What If…? as a series that connects stories and features recurring characters.

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but feel hesitant about Marvel Studios taking on “Old Man Logan.” While the story itself is straightforward – think “Unforgiven” meets superheroes – it’s the worldbuilding that truly sets it apart. The collaboration between Mark Millar and Steve McNiven beautifully paints a picture of a villain-conquered world, using both dialogue and visuals to weave an intricate tale. Unlike some of Millar’s other Marvel work, this story is not overly edgy, but rather, it carries a depth that has often been missing from Marvel Studios’ multiverse narratives – a depth that, surprisingly, has been lacking in much of their overall content as well.

Old Man Logan is a story that Marvel Studios might consider adapting, but I’m concerned they wouldn’t do it justice due to its dark and violent nature. The MCU often infuses humor into tense situations, which doesn’t align with the gritty tone of Old Man Logan. Incorporating lighthearted elements might dilute the story’s impact instead of enhancing it. While visualizing a Venom-possessed T-Rex or a colossal Ant-Man corpse on the big screen is exciting, I think maintaining the original narrative without introducing characters like Captain Carter or having Old Man Logan making jokes during combat sequences would be more effective.

Instead of diving straight into the popular “Old Man Logan” tale, Marvel Studios might want to consider exploring the backstory first, such as the origin of his adamantium skeleton hinted in “X-Men: Apocalypse” or one of the captivating Wolverine/Sabretooth narratives. The widespread appeal of “Old Man Logan” has led to numerous returns of the character since its conclusion in 2009, but an adaptation at this moment, or perhaps ever, might not be necessary.

Old Man Logan Should Stay Where It Belongs – the Comics

The acclaimed comic “Old Man Logan” stands out as a remarkable read. It’s arguably Mark Millar’s finest work within the Marvel universe, known for penning “Civil War,” the inspiration behind “Captain America: Civil War.” Steve McNiven’s artwork is truly captivating and fits perfectly with the narrative. While not entirely unique in its storyline – dystopian settings ruled by villains where worn-out heroes struggle to survive are quite common – it excels due to its exceptional execution. This excellence, in part, is due to the medium itself. Some stories in the comic world thrive on the combination of words and images to tell a compelling tale, and “Old Man Logan” is one such story.

It’s clear why the movie Logan didn’t adapt Old Man Logan. The story simply doesn’t translate as effectively outside of the comic book format because there’s a lot that relies on being a comic. Marvel Studios excel at many things, but their multiversal stories tend not to be among their strongest. If Marvel Studios ever decide to create a multiverse Wolverine narrative, they could consider the Age of Apocalypse Wolverine miniseries (also known as Weapon X) or perhaps the What If… where Wolverine becomes a vampire lord. It’s best to keep Old Man Logan in the comics, where it truly thrives.

Read More

2025-01-19 22:11