Marvel’s Adamantium introduction in Captain America: Brave New World does set the stage for the MCU’s Wolverine, but it also could confirm a disappointing aspect of the character. During Marvel’s Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2024, it was revealed that Captain America: Brave New World will introduce Adamantium into the MCU. The powerful element’s comic book origins have significantly changed as the film establishes that Adamantium comes from celestials. It was discovered within Tiamut, the dead celestial from Eternals emerging from the Earth, and countries are fighting over its resources.

While the X-Men’s MCU debut is still many years away, Adamantium indicates that Wolverine is coming, as the element is a core part of the hero’s backstory and powerset. Unfortunately, Adamantium’s discovery means one variant of Wolverine isn’t likely to be the version that’s in the MCU timeline.

Captain America 4’s Adamantium Introduction May Mean Henry Cavill’s Wolverine Isn’t In The MCU

One of the highlights of Deadpool & Wolverine is Deadpool’s search for a Wolverine variant to replace the Fox version as the universe’s new anchor being. During his search, he encounters a roster of Wolverine variants, including one played by Henry Cavill a.k.a. The Cavillrine. His screen time is limited, but it’s great to see him smoke a cigar and do his classic Mission: Impossible – Fallout arm reload before punching Deadpool into another universe.

An important detail in this scene is that the Cavillrine already has his Adamantium claws. Since Adamantium won’t be discovered until Captain America 4, Cavill’s variant is probably not the version in the MCU. Wolverine could exist in the MCU, but he won’t have his Adamantium claws yet unless Marvel changes his origins. However, there is some hope for those who want Cavill as the MCU’s Wolverine.

Could Cavill Still Be The MCU’s Wolverine?

While Henry Cavill being the MCU’s Wolverine doesn’t look immensely likely right now, the answer isn’t a definitive no. The Cavillrine is a Wolverine variant, meaning there could be millions of Wolverines that look like Cavill. The MCU’s Wolverine could be Cavill even with Deadpool 3‘s version existing simultaneously. However, it’s more likely that this is just a fun cameo. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the Man of Steel actor said he wouldn’t want to play a Marvel character that’s currently played by someone else, stating:

“I’m never going to say a Marvel character that is already being played by someone else because everyone’s doing such an amazing job.”

Technically, no one else is playing Logan in the MCU, but Cavill may not want to step into Hugh Jackman’s shoes, especially now the Captain America: Brave New World reveal makes establishing him as the main timeline’s version of the character more complicated. It will be daunting for the next Wolverine actor, and Cavill could want to play a character who has never appeared in a movie before. Audiences want Cavill to join the MCU, and Marvel needs to find a way to make that happen even if he’s not Wolverine.