People really want Danny DeVito to play Wolverine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with a new petition already garnering 50,000 signatures. Created by Roy Thomas, Len Wein, and John Romita Sr, Wolverine debuted in the closing panels of The Incredible Hulk #180 before having a more prominent role in issue #181. Also known as Logan/Weapon X, Wolverine was later crossed over to join a revamped version of the X-Men and sometimes The Avengers. Further developed by such acclaimed comic book names as Chris Claremont, John Byrne, and Frank Miller, Wolverine went on to become one of the most enduring and overwhelmingly popular characters in Marvel Comics. As such, he has been adapted multiple times in both animation and live-action.

On the big screen, Wolverine was famously played by Hugh Jackman. Debuting as the iconic anti-hero back in 2000's X-Men, Jackman ultimately played the character for well over a decade, culminating with the almost universally-praised Logan. Despite numerous attempts by Ryan Reynolds to lure Jackman into partnering with Deadpool, Jackman insists he's done with the character. Equally, with Disney having acquired Fox - and therefore the rights to the X-Men characters - it's expected that Kevin Feige will cast a new Wolverine for the MCU. As a result, months of speculation as to who should land the role has raged for months online.

Related: X-Men: Every Wolverine Movie Look, Ranked

Courtesy of a Change.org petition, however, DeVito's name has been thrust into the running. Although the petition first emerged many months ago, it has recently begun to pick up even more steam. With multiple signatures starting to pour in every hour, the petition has crossed a landmark total of 50,000. The next target being pursued is 75,000. At the rate people are currently signing, that target will likely be reached by the end of the year, if not Christmas. DeVito has yet to acknowledge or offer a comment on the petition. The petition has also coincided with Mark Ruffalo's desire to see Hulk vs. Wolverine.

Wolverine New Avengers

DeVito is, of course, the star of many beloved films - including Get Shorty, Matilda, and Twins. DeVito discussed the idea of a Twins sequel earlier in the month. He's also no stranger to comic book adaptations, having previously played The Penguin in Tim Burton's Batman Returns. In recent years, however, he has primarily starred in FX's hit comedy, It's Always Sunny in Philidelphia. DeVito will also next be seen on the big screen in the highly anticipated Jumanji: The Next Level. Having recently starred alongside Colin Farrell in the live-action Dumbo adaptation, DeVito shared his thoughts regarding Farrell taking over as Penguin in Matt Reeves' upcoming film, The Batman.

In terms of the X-Men characters, it remains to be seen just when fans can expect them to join the ever-expanding shared Marvel universe. It's been reported, however, that Kevin Feige will tease the upcoming MCU slate at CCXP 2019 next week. As such, rampant speculation of an X-Men announcement has only increased in line with the signature count of the Wolverine petition. It's extremely unlikely that a petition will actually hold any sway in who is ultimately cast as Wolverine. Besides, with names like Tom Hardy and Keanu Reeves often in the mix, DeVito faces some stiff competition. Still, DeVito is at least closer in stature than Jackman was. And having DeVito as Wolverine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is at least an amusing concept to think about.

More: X-Men: 10 Actors Who Could Play The MCU's Wolverine

Source: Change.org

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