Hugh Jackman vs Mark Ruffalo: The MCU’s Next Big Battle and Deadpool’s Inevitable Absence

Would it be ideal to see a movie featuring Hugh Jackman's Wolverine and Mark Ruffalo's Hulk? While it sounds like a thrilling idea, especially with the inevitable phase-out of Jackman, the presence of Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool may not add much to the storyline.

Legitimacy and Career Choices

Hugh Jackman, the iconic actor who has brought Wolverine to life, recently stated that he is done with the role. This decision not only shows professionalism but also ensures his long-term career in the industry isn't hindered by the physical demands of playing a superhero. At the age of 53, maintaining the physical integrity of Wolverine would become increasingly challenging for Jackman, particularly given the nature of the character.

The comic book adaptation of Wolverine shows he is functionally immortal, making it wise for Disney to look for a new actor to take up the role for the long-term future. Finding a young and capable actor who can bring the character to life for decades to come is crucial for the success of the franchise.

The Future of the Hulk and Wolverine

Disney has already hinted that a new Hulk film is on the horizon. Given the typical development time for such projects, it would likely be several years before the movie hits theaters. This timeline means that even if Ruffalo continues to play Bruce Banner at his current age, the character's physicality might change considerably. It is indeed possible that Ruffalo might be replaced by a younger actor who can portray the Hulk more convincingly in the future.

Deadpool's Unforgettable Presence

The question of whether to include Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool in a Wolverine vs. Hulk movie is a debatable one. While Reynolds' portrayal of Deadpool brings a unique energy to the screen, his inclusion would likely detract from the main storyline. Deadpool's character is about wit, humor, and irreverence, which don't necessarily align perfectly with the gravity of the Hulk and Wolverine's matchup.

Jackman and Ruffalo have both shown their comedic talents on screen. Hugh Jackman, as Wolverine, even showcased his ability to crack jokes, making Deadpool's presence redundant. Adding Reynolds would merely serve to lessen the impact of the main characters and their unique storylines.

Comic Book vs. Screen Reality

Logistically, a Wolverine vs. Hulk match-up poses several challenges. According to comic book lore, Wolverine, as a mutant with the ability to heal and regenerate, is a formidable opponent for the Hulk, who is depicted as virtually invulnerable to physical attacks. However, on the big screen, such a clash would be difficult to convincingly portray.

Comic book depictions of Wolverine vary; some show him as 5'3" while others depict him as 6'3". The movie versions have also altered his height. Similarly, while Mark Ruffalo's portrayal of the Hulk is impressively large, with a height of 8'5", the comic book version stands at an enormous 7'6". These discrepancies mean that the physical difference between the characters, while portrayed as significant, might not be as pronounced in a real-world setting.

Beyond the physical attributes, the match-up raises questions about the plot itself. How could the towering, super-strength Hulk struggle against Wolverine, a much shorter, but equally strong mutant? The comic book logic, where Wolverine's agility and claws can counter the Hulk's brute force, might not translate well to the screen. The general audience would likely be confused by such a mismatch, further detracting from the movie's effectiveness.

Conclusion

In summary, while a movie featuring Hugh Jackman's Wolverine and Mark Ruffalo's Hulk sounds like an exciting idea, including Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool would likely be unnecessary and potentially detrimental to the storyline. Both Jackman and Ruffalo have showcased their comedic skills, making their inclusion more than sufficient. The physical and poetic battles between the characters would be best left to their respective screen portrayals without the potential distraction of Deadpool's entrance.