Keanu Reeves’ BRZRKR comic is being adapted as both a live-action film and anime series at Netflix, providing a fun look at what the John Wick star could look like as the MCU’s Wolverine. In the wake of Hugh Jackman’s retirement from the iconic role and Disney’s acquisition of Fox, many theories have circulated as to how mutants will be introduced to the MCU, and who could play the new versions of the X-Men. Though Keanu Reeves is likely too old at this point to be in the running for the part of Wolverine, BRZRKR will show what his version of the character may have been like.
BRZRKR follows the story of “B,” an immortal warrior, half-god and half-man, cursed to wander the Earth for eternity in a chain of violent battles. The character lives for 80,000 years, eventually becoming a secret weapon of the U.S. government. Reeves created the character of B and the story of BRZRKR with writer Matt Kindt, both of which will be fleshed out in the upcoming adaptations from Netflix.
In past interviews, Reeves has said how badly he wanted to play Wolverine in the X-Men films. Though he’s a longshot to play the character at this point in time, he can show how perfect he would have been in the role through his performance in BRZRKR. He’s starred in numerous action films since The Matrix and has experienced something of a renaissance in the genre in the wake of John Wick, but no character Keanu has played before comes as close to Wolverine as B. From his curse-like immortality to his penchant for violence and his use as a weapon by covert government programs, B is essentially an “elseworlds” version of X-Men’s Logan.
Of course, there are plenty of reasons why Reeves is better suited to an independent property like BRZRKR than actually being part of the MCU. The hyperviolent style of BRZRKR – similar to that which helped make Logan so distinct in the superhero genre – wouldn’t fly as part of Marvel’s family-friendly brand. Plus, Reeves’ particular style of action hero is a bit too grizzled for the tone of the MCU, even without the extra blood and gore.
Still, in another world, Reeves could be a perfect Wolverine. While fans will likely never see that hypothetical version of the character, they can get a glimpse at what it would be like when Netflix’s BRZRKR film releases. Marvel still hasn’t announced plans to bring the X-Men into the MCU, so BRZRKR may actually be the closest thing to a new Wolverine movie fans can expect for some time.