Who plays Sabretooth in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’? Professional wrestler 'joined' X-Men in 2000
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Deadpool & Wolverine' will finally see Wade Wilson and Logan together on screen, but there's another major reunion with an unexpected actor swap. The X-Men franchise, spearheaded by Fox, captivated audiences for nearly two decades, beginning with the 2000 release of X-Men.
This film not only catapulted the mutant superheroes into mainstream popularity but also introduced Hugh Jackman’s iconic portrayal of Wolverine. Among the memorable characters was Sabretooth, Wolverine’s fierce rival, originally played by Tyler Mane.
However, Sabretooth’s absence from subsequent films left fans curious until his return in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, portrayed by Liev Schreiber. With Deadpool & Wolverine on the horizon, speculation is rife about who will don the claws and ferocity of Sabretooth this time around. Here's what we know about who plays Sabretooth in Deadpool & Wolverine.
Tyler Mane returns as Sabretooth in 'Deadpool & Wolverine'
Tyler Mane plays Sabretooth in 'Deadpool & Wolverine', marking a nostalgic return to his iconic role from the 2000 X-Men movie. Mane's original portrayal featured long, scruffy hair, sharp elongated nails, and an imposing stature, giving Sabretooth a wild, animalistic appearance that rivaled Wolverine's ferocity.
In Deadpool & Wolverine, Mane reprises this role with a classic look, albeit with a few more gray hairs mixed with his signature blonde locks. This return is significant, as Mane's only other portrayal of Sabretooth was in the 2006 official game, making this a highly anticipated moment for fans.
This iteration of Sabretooth is more faithful to the comics, both in appearance and backstory. The character's larger, stronger physique contrasts with Wolverine's, emphasizing Logan's underdog status in their battles. The long blonde hair, sharp teeth, and dark eyes enhance Sabretooth's menacing aesthetic, perfectly clashing with Wolverine's raw determination.
Mane's return to the role is fitting for a movie that will finally see Wolverine in his comic-accurate yellow and blue costume. This reunion of characters promises to deliver an exciting dynamic, blending nostalgia with a fresh, authentic take on their legendary rivalry.
Why Liev Schreiber isn't returning as Sabretooth?
Despite Liev Schreiber's incredible performance as Sabretooth in 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine', his version of the character poses challenges for the standard X-Men movie timeline. In Origins, Schreiber's Sabretooth is revealed to be Wolverine's half-brother, adding a layer of complexity that Deadpool & Wolverine does not have the time to address.
'Deadpool & Wolverine' is designed as a comic book event film, featuring numerous cameos from various Marvel Universe heroes and villains. While Schreiber could potentially make a brief cameo, his version of Sabretooth is not as cinematic or visually impressive as Tyler Mane's original portrayal.
For an epic showdown between Wolverine and Sabretooth that mirrors iconic comic book moments, Wolverine needs his classic yellow and blue costume, and Sabretooth needs the wild, imposing presence that Mane brings. Mane's return to the role ensures a more authentic and nostalgic depiction of the legendary rivalry, fitting seamlessly into the film's broader comic book aesthetic.
'Deadpool & Wolverine' trailer