Fans Beg Marvel to Kill Wolverine's Most Annoying Storyline
For 25 years and across 10 movies, one particular storyline has followed Hugh Jackman's Wolverine, and fans have had enough. This persistent plot point, spanning comics, TV shows, and the big screen, is now facing major backlash from the very audience that loves the character. What is this annoying trend?
Marvel fans are getting fed up with a storyline that has dragged on for a quarter-century and ten films, not even counting the animated shows. The source of this frustration is the seemingly endless love triangle involving Wolverine, Cyclops, and Jean Grey. It's a plot centered on Logan's constant pining for Jean, even as she builds a life and family with Scott Summers.
In the live-action X-Men movies, Jean Grey occasionally manipulates this dynamic for her own benefit. The trope is also on full display in X-Men ’97, where it’s clear that Logan’s unrequited love for Jean is a major factor in controlling his more feral instincts.
Why the Love Triangle Needs to Go
One of the biggest criticisms is that this romantic subplot ultimately goes nowhere. The screen time dedicated to this tired trope could have been used to explore more meaningful relationships among the other X-Men, including the central one between Jean and Cyclops themselves.
This storyline wasn't just a movie invention; it started in the early days of the Uncanny X-Men comics after Wolverine joined the team and fell for Jean. While the comics did flirt with other love interests for Logan, such as Storm, Mariko Yashida, and Yukio, his obsession with Jean always seemed to pull him back.
A Missed Opportunity for Character Growth
While the movies couldn't completely ignore a plot point so central to the comics, they missed a huge opportunity. A better approach would have allowed Wolverine to move on and find some measure of peace, giving his charachter real growth. At the same time, Jean could have been developed beyond being a simple object of affection, adding much-needed depth to her role.
Many feel their relationship works best as a deep friendship built on mutual understanding. It's a shame the films and comics didn't lean into that more. With Hugh Jackman returning to the role in the MCU, there's a glimmer of hope that things might finally change for the better.
Hugh Jackman on His Iconic Role
Hugh Jackman recently spoke about the rumors of his involvement in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, which is expected to officially integrate the X-Men into the MCU. During an appearance on a talk show, he addressed the possibility of another return.
Maybe. I’m never saying ‘never’ ever again. I did mean it until the day I changed my mind. I did mean it for quite a few years. I have done ten films now, so I think they have enough for an AI version of me!
Having played Wolverine for more than twenty years, it's hard to picture anyone else capturing the raw aggression and complex nature of Logan. His long history with the character is extensive.
| Film | Year | Character Importance |
|---|---|---|
| X-Men | 2000 | Major |
| X2: X-Men United | 2003 | Major |
| X-Men: The Last Stand | 2006 | Major |
| X-Men Origins: Wolverine | 2009 | Lead |
| X-Men: First Class | 2011 | Cameo |
| The Wolverine | 2013 | Lead |
| X-Men: Days of Future Past | 2014 | Major |
| X-Men: Apocalypse | 2016 | Cameo |
| Logan | 2017 | Lead |
| Deadpool & Wolverine | 2024 | Lead |
After what many thought was his final performance in Logan, Jackman delighted fans by returning for Deadpool & Wolverine. The movie's success proved that audiences are still eager for more of his portrayal, especially after seeing him in the classic yellow and blue suit from the comics. Now, the hope is that future appearances will finally leave the tired Jean Grey romance behind.