Marvel Fans Call Time on Wolverine’s Tired Love Triangle

For more than two decades, Marvel’s X-Men films have circled around a familiar romantic subplot, and fans are starting to lose patience. The ongoing triangle involving Wolverine, Cyclops, and Jean Grey has been a staple across ten films and several telly series, with Wolverine’s unrequited feelings for Jean dragging on while she’s settled with Cyclops and looking to build a life together.

Why the Love Triangle Has Outstayed Its Welcome

In the X-Men films, Jean occasionally uses Wolverine’s affections to her advantage, and even in the recent X-Men ’97, it’s clear that Logan’s feelings for her keep him in check. But after all these years, many reckon it’s time to move on. The romantic subplot hasn’t really led anywhere meaningful, and it’s come at the expense of exploring deeper connections between other characters—especially the partnership between Jean and Cyclops.

This triangle first popped up in the early Uncanny X-Men comics, when Wolverine joined the team and quickly developed a soft spot for Jean. While the comics did dabble in other romances for Logan—like Storm, Mariko Yashida, and Yukio—his fixation on Jean always took centre stage. The films, perhaps feeling tied to the source material, have kept this thread running, but it’s left some fans wishing for more character growth and a bit of peace for Wolverine, as well as a richer story for Jean herself.

Fans Want a New Direction for Wolverine

Some reckon the best dynamic between Jean and Logan is as close mates who truly get each other, rather than as star-crossed lovers. There’s hope that with Hugh Jackman back in the role for the MCU, the focus might shift to this more nuanced relationship. As it stands, Jean is the only one who knows every detail of Logan’s life, making their bond unique, but not necessarily romantic.

Jackman himself has weighed in on his future as Wolverine, keeping things open-ended. On The Graham Norton Show, he said,

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!

After ten films, it’s fair to say he’s left his mark on the character, and punters can’t picture anyone else bringing Logan’s grit and complexity to the screen.

Wolverine’s Cinematic Journey

Jackman’s run as Wolverine kicked off in 2000 with X-Men and has spanned major roles, cameos, and lead performances across the franchise. From X2: X-Men United and The Last Stand, through to his solo outings in The Wolverine and Logan, and now his much-hyped return in Deadpool & Wolverine, he’s become synonymous with the character. Even after saying he was finished with Logan, the lure of donning the claws again proved too strong, and fans were chuffed to see him back—especially in the classic yellow suit from the comics.

With the X-Men set to join the MCU proper in Avengers: Doomsday, there’s plenty of speculation about what’s next for Wolverine. But if there’s one thing fans are united on, it’s that they’re ready to see Logan move past his old flame and into new territory.