Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine comeback is making headlines, as the actor returns to his iconic role for the upcoming film Deadpool & Wolverine, but this revival has led to an unexpected rivalry with Wesley Snipes for the title of longest-serving Marvel star. The tension surfaced after Snipes’ reprisal of Blade, stirring up humorous yet sharp competition between two legendary actors in the comic book movie universe.
Marvel’s Multiverse Opens Doors to Legendary Returns
The Marvel Cinematic Universe began anew in 2008, casting fresh faces and reimagining classic characters, including those previously played by others. With the franchise’s shift into multiverse stories, it created an opportunity to reintroduce beloved stars such as Jennifer Garner as Elektra, Dafne Keene as X-23, and notably, Wesley Snipes as Blade in Deadpool & Wolverine. This move followed the successful return of Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and several classic villains in Spider-Man: No Way Home, raising fans’ excitement by pushing the boundaries of nostalgic cast comebacks.
For years, Hugh Jackman was celebrated as the longest-serving Marvel actor, having portrayed Wolverine for a quarter of a century, with his supposed swan song in 2019’s Logan. However, Snipes’ surprise involvement as Blade changed that narrative, since Snipes’ initial Blade debut in 1998 technically gives him more years with a Marvel role, ultimately breaking Jackman’s streak and even earning recognition from Guinness World Records. During a recent interview, Jackman responded candidly, saying:
“If I had known, I would have banned him [from Deadpool & Wolverine].” Now it’s just a competition of who’s going to live longer. Actually, I’ll put my money on Wesley.”
– Hugh Jackman, Actor
Records for Longest Running Marvel Stars Keep Changing
Over time, the record for longest tenure as a Marvel character has changed hands multiple times. When Tobey Maguire and Willem Dafoe returned for Spider-Man: No Way Home, they held it briefly, until Patrick Stewart reclaimed his title by teaming up with Doctor Strange as Charles Xavier. Stewart was then topped by Jackman’s reprisal of Wolverine—yet Wesley Snipes’ addition in Deadpool & Wolverine rendered Jackman’s claim moot, making for a tense but spirited rivalry among these superhero veterans.
Wesley Snipes’ Blade: A Complicated Legacy and the Future
Marvel Studios has grappled for years with rebooting Blade, with Mahershala Ali’s planned solo outing delayed by constant changes among directors and writers, leaving the beloved vampire hunter in limbo. Snipes’ memorable line in Deadpool & Wolverine added a pointed jab at the character’s ongoing challenges:
There is only one Blade, and there will only ever be one Blade.
– Wesley Snipes, Actor
This remark resonated with both longtime fans and industry observers, highlighting frustrations behind the protracted reboot process and drawing a clear line of identity connected to Snipes’ original portrayal.
Marvel Studios’ Changing Plans for Blade’s Return
Recent reports suggest that Marvel Studios has scrapped Mahershala Ali’s standalone film, opting instead to introduce Blade in a team-based Midnight Suns movie. This new direction could see Blade joining supernatural heroes like Werewolf by Night, Man-Thing, and Doctor Strange, blending their stories in a new ensemble. Furthermore, rumors are circulating that Snipes could have one more appearance as Blade in Avengers: Secret Wars, but with the multiverse conclusion not set to premiere until December 2027, confirmation remains uncertain.
The Cast Bringing Deadpool & Wolverine to Life
Deadpool & Wolverine will feature Ryan Reynolds reprising his role as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman returning as Wolverine, two characters with significant history and devoted fan followings. The film is expected to be a landmark entry for Marvel, amplified by its meta-commentary and the return of legacy actors.
This ongoing competition over the Marvel longevity record injects an extra layer of drama for both the audience and the actors themselves. Whether Hugh Jackman or Wesley Snipes ultimately claims the longest tenure as a Marvel legend, their personal and professional rivalries continue to engage fans, adding emotional intensity to the Marvel multiverse saga. Looking ahead, all eyes will be on Marvel’s next moves, particularly regarding Blade’s evolving role within the superhero universe and Hugh Jackman’s continuing influence as Wolverine.
