Spider-Man and Wolverine Set for Showdown in Avengers: Doomsday
Rumours swirl as Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine are tipped to clash in the next Avengers film. Find out what’s behind the speculation and how their comic book history could shape the big screen encounter.
Fresh speculation has emerged regarding the much-anticipated Avengers: Doomsday, with whispers suggesting that Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine are poised for a dramatic confrontation. Daniel Richtman, a well-known industry insider, has reignited talk of their return, hinting that the two iconic characters will not be allies, but rather adversaries in the upcoming instalment.
Insider Claims and Fan Theories
Richtman recently shared an image on social media, fuelling excitement and debate among fans. The suggestion is that Maguire’s web-slinger will prove a formidable match for Jackman’s adamantium-clawed mutant. The online buzz has only intensified, with many recalling earlier theories that Maguire would play a significant part in Tom Holland’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day. However, recent updates indicate that neither Maguire nor Andrew Garfield will be joining Holland in that particular outing. Instead, Richtman maintains that Maguire is set to appear in Doomsday alongside Jackman, though not as partners.
Initial rumours about their involvement in the Multiverse Saga finale date back to 2023, when Marvel was still planning The Kang Dynasty. At that time, it was believed that Maguire and Jackman would lead a multiversal force against Kang. Richtman’s latest comments, however, suggest a different direction, with the pair not joining forces in the next Marvel Cinematic Universe chapter, which is expected to feature Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom.
Comic Book Rivalry: Spider-Man Versus Wolverine
The prospect of a clash between these two heroes is not without precedent. Marvel Comics has explored their rivalry on several occasions, notably in the 1987 Spider-Man vs Wolverine issue and the Astonishing Spider-Man & Wolverine series by Jason Aaron and Adam Kubert. More recently, the 2025 Spider-Man & Wolverine run by Marc Guggenheim and Kaare Andrews has seen the tension between the pair reach new heights, particularly in the opening issues.
In the first chapter, the duo embark on a mission to recover the Janus Directory, a database containing the identities of double agents. Wolverine fends off would-be thieves, while Spider-Man manages to secure the directory. Upon discovering the names of his parents, Richard and Mary Parker, Peter’s curiosity leads him to a shocking revelation: a surveillance video implicates Wolverine in their deaths. This discovery sparks a fierce altercation, with Peter refusing to accept Logan’s explanation about his murky past as an operative for Red Skull. The fight escalates, culminating in Wolverine impaling Spider-Man with his claws—a moment that left readers stunned. Fans are now left to wonder whether the cinematic encounter will echo this dramatic comic book storyline.
Legacy and Anticipation for Doomsday
Maguire’s portrayal of the web-slinger remains a firm favourite among audiences, with his return in Spider-Man: No Way Home sparking a wave of nostalgia. Despite the lukewarm reception of his third film, many have long hoped for a fourth instalment featuring Maguire. His recent appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was met with enthusiasm, contributing to No Way Home’s impressive box office success. Calls for more of Maguire’s Spider-Man in future projects have only grown louder.
Jackman, meanwhile, had previously indicated he was finished with the Wolverine role, but was eventually persuaded to return, much to the delight of fans. His comeback in Deadpool & Wolverine proved a triumph, with the film breaking records for R-rated releases. Importantly, this return did not undermine the legacy of his earlier X-Men performances, instead offering a fresh perspective on the character. During a recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Jackman was asked about the possibility of Wolverine joining an Avengers film. He replied,
“Maybe. I’m never saying ‘never’ ever again”
, leaving the door open for further speculation.
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for release in US cinemas on 18 December 2026.