Wolverine’s Voice Actor Shares Inspiration Behind His Portrayal of Logan

Liam McIntyre has a wealth of iconic Wolverine portrayals to draw inspiration from. Hugh Jackman’s gruff and primal interpretation in the X-Men films has become legendary, while voice actors like Cal Dodd and Steve Blum have each left their mark on Marvel’s iconic mutant. However, when McIntyre took on the role for Insomniac Games’ Marvel’s Wolverine, he aimed to carve out his own unique interpretation rather than mimic any of the previous performances.

When asked about the influences behind his portrayal, McIntyre offered a clear response: all of them.

“It was every single one,” he shared in an interview while discussing his role in the new animated series Golden Axe. “I had so many great teachers from the wonderful performances of the past, and I was trying to find my own spin on it.”

For McIntyre, this meant analyzing what made each version of Logan resonate and then infusing his own essence into the character.

“I would look at Hugh [Jackman], Cal Dodd, Steve Blum, and other fantastic performers, and think, ‘That’s such a great display of what makes Wolverine who he is. I’ll try to capture the essence of that character in my own way, because I can’t just copy it,’” he explained.

This approach is particularly significant for Insomniac’s rendition of Wolverine. The game presents Logan in a fresh narrative that draws from decades of Marvel lore while offering a new perspective. McIntyre’s performance seeks to build upon the legacy rather than overshadow it.

He described his process as delving into Wolverine’s history, examining the script, and determining how his own experiences could enhance the character.

“That’s the joy of acting, right?” McIntyre remarked. “Trying to build on the shoulders of greats.”

In Marvel’s Wolverine, McIntyre voices James “Logan” Howlett, showcasing a more vulnerable side of the character alongside his well-known anger and ferocity. This nuanced performance stands out, even as the overall reception of the game has been mixed. Critics have pointed out flaws in the story and execution, but many have praised McIntyre’s “multifaceted” portrayal of Logan, highlighting the sensitivity beneath his more savage exterior.

Overall, Marvel’s Wolverine has received a lukewarm response, making it one of the less favorably reviewed PS5 exclusives.

The game is set to launch on PlayStation 5 on September 15. McIntyre will also lend his voice to Ax Battler in Golden Axe, the new animated adaptation of Sega’s classic arcade game, which premieres on September 16 with all ten episodes available at once.