So just over a year ago I posted a blog trying to predict what FOX Studios next move was going to be with the X-MEN franchise after the Apocalypse chapter of the movie. Reading it back now, I wasn't too far off the mark.

I suggested that they do a version of OLD MAN LOGAN and that is the road they are currently going down. I suggested that they get CABLE involved somehow and FOX are currently writing him in to the sequel to DEADPOOL with plans for them to meet the X-MEN. 2 for 2, not bad. I also suggested that they kill Wolverine off and have DAKEN replace him. For those that don't know, Daken is the son of Logan and his deceased wife Itsu. His super-human powers are not to dissimilar from that of Wolverine. This I have gotten wrong but just because I didn't hit the desired target didn't mean I didn't come close. Instead they are bringing in X23 who is better known as Laura, the female Wolverine. Why did I not mention her back then? Well to be fair she hasn't had much of a limelight until recently.

For starters her creation is very Harley Quinn-esque. She was introduced in the X-MEN: EVOLUTION animated series before making her comic debut in 2004. Her rise wasn't as quick as Harley's though and she only got a couple of mini-series in 2010 before her last issue in 2011. However in 2015, she got her moment. The ALL-NEW ALL-DIFFERENT Marvel Comics Universe is established and she is the new Wolverine. Old Man Logan is still slumming about with the X-MEN but trying to keep a low profile. In this fantastic new run she has battled alongside DOCTOR STRANGE and THE WASP to name but a few and has garnered some much needed attention from critics and comic fans alike. It is this most recent push into the fray that may be why FOX are considering her instead of DAKEN.

What can she do? 

X-23 is a female clone of Wolverine. Like Wolverine, X-23 has a Regenerative healing factor, superhuman strength, senses, speed, agility, and reflexes. She also has retractable adamantium-coated bone claws in her hands and feet. Cloned from a damaged copy of Wolverine's genome, X-23 was created to be the perfect killing machine. For years, she proved herself a capable assassin working for an organization called the Facility. A series of tragedies eventually led her to Wolverine and the X-Men. She attends school at the X-Mansion, and eventually became a member of X-Force.

I honestly suggest you pick up the latest trade release of ALL-NEW WOLVERINE though. It's funny and entertaining as well as keeping that despondent, hopeless, teenage-angst feeling that comes with an X-Men title.

Now that you're a little more familiar, now the question comes, 'Who should play X23?'

ELIZABETH RODRIGUEZ

Talk Nerdy News has reported that Elizabeth Rodriguez has signed up for the latest WOLVERINE 3 film and have rumoured her to be playing X23. It would make sense after all to introduce her in what is to be Hugh Jackman's last time portraying Logan. She's a clone of Wolverine's damaged genome and has all his abilities down to the adamantium claws. She even has them coming out of her feet! Even though she hasn't been in a movie since 2014 she has been busy fighting zombies in Fear The Walking Dead and fighting supernatural forces in GRIMM. She's even spent some time in prison in Netflix's own Orange is the new Black.

Now I don't mind her but if you don't mind I wouldn't mind suggesting a few choices of my own:

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MARY ELIZABETH WINSTEAD

You may also know her as the feisty Ramona Flowers or if you've been to watch 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE, Michelle. She has a great knack for portraying characters that are damaged but without coming off as weak. This is the exact tone we need with Laura X23. She has been through quite a traumatic experience. But instead of being like LOGAN and being a violent hot-head she has learned to cool it and in fact now has a no-kill rule. I could see Mary kicking some major ass (just watch her in Scott Pilgrim) and more importantly, owning that role. I now regret suggesting Tom Hardy for a reboot of Wolverine as he is too big now. I would just be watching and thinking "Tom Hardy is Wolverine". We need an unknown like Hugh was. Mary could be it.

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OLIVIA WILDE

This is my favourite choice. Olivia spent 5 years playing '13' in HOUSE MD. Here was an interesting character that battled with her mortality and future everyday as she was diagnosed with Huntington's. A disorder that affects motor control as it progresses. Olivia played this part so well. Instead of battling the disease she was in a battle with herself. She often pondered her purpose and was quite self destructive, all without coming off as wishy-washy or needy. She stood up to Hugh Laurie's scary portrayal of House and I believed it. Here is a woman I could see stand up to any man or beast and can come off as intimidating. Unlike Mary I think she also bares a resemblance to the character too. And I mustn't forget that she came into the series of HOUSE as one of 3 people who were replacing his original team. This was a big ask as HOUSE was one of the most watched shows on the planet and audiences were very attached to the cast. She walked through the door and blew the set away. At the end of the season I felt like she had always been there. This is a great quality of someone we want coming in and basically replacing Hugh Jackman.

Who knows though really? I could be wrong. But we'll see in another year. At the moment I'm just waiting for Ron Perlman to get the part of CABLE. When that happens I may start believing I have an influence in Hollywood...

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