Daniel Radcliffe denies getting buff to play Wolverine: ‘I got buff because I am obsessive’
‘Harry Potter’ star’s ripped physique in ‘Miracle Workers’ finale ignited speculation among Marvel fans
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Daniel Radcliffe is once again shutting down rumours that he might take over as Wolverine in future X-Men films.
The Harry Potter star, 34, has long been the subject of fan casting due to his resemblance to the Marvel mutant, famously portrayed by Hugh Jackman across all the live-action movies.
While Radcliffe has repeatedly downplayed the rumours, last month he reignited further speculation after he showed off his drastic body transformation in the series finale of TBS comedy Miracle Workers.
Asked if he had started the Wolverine rumour himself, during the latest episode of Vanity Fair’s popular Lie Detector test, Radcliffe told his Merrily We Roll Along Broadway co-stars Jonathan Groff and Lindsay Mendez: “No.”
“So you just got buff for no reason?” Mendez retorted.
“Yes,” Radcliffe responded, laughing. “I got buff because I am obsessive, and I want to… You’ve seen my parents, they’re like insane fitness people. So that’s just been passed on. But no. No Wolverine. Flattered, but no.”
After Jackman’s last outing as the vigilante in 2024’s Deadpool 3, he will hand the reigns over to another actor, with Radcliffe and Welsh actor Taron Egerton leading predictions.
Radcliffe brushed off gossip in an interview with GQ last year, saying that any headlines claiming he was considering the role were “purely a press tour rumor”.
“I say something, and then occasionally I get bored of answering that way so I say something different, and that sets it off again,” Radcliffe said. “I should just never open my mouth.”
Of why he had no interest in the role, he added: “I just don’t ever want to get locked into something that I am not sure I will be able to love the same amount the whole time.”
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Radcliffe recently returned to Broadway, alongside Groff and Mendez, in the revival of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s Merrily We Roll Along.
Radcliffe recently said he learnt a lot from watching the way his late Harry Potter co-star, Uncle Vernon actor Richard Griffiths, approached theatre acting. He described his process of constant and relentless refinement. You’re never done. Your last show should be your best.”
Meanwhile, Jackman will make his much-anticipated Wolverine comeback in the upcoming Deadpool 3, opposite Ryan Reynolds. His surprise reprisal comes after he announced his retirement from the character in 2017.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments