Thousands sign petition to make Danny DeVito Wolverine

Hugh Jackman gave us 17 glorious years as Wolverine, and we'll never be able to thank him fully for it.

But, as the 50-year-old actor hangs up his six retractable claws and regenerative abilities, the question arises: who should play the mutant legend next? If you ask fans, there's only one man for the job: Mr Danny DeVito, of course!

A petition for the Taxi actor to take on the role has gathered over 10,000 signatures and looks set to conquer its 15,000 signature goal.

How did Jerry Seinfeld convince Hugh Jackman to end Wolverine with Logan? Find out here:

Started by a user going by the name of 'Ring Arius,' the summary reads: "The only man able to take the throne after Hugh Jackman. We believe that if Wolverine is to make an appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that the only man able to pull it off is Danny Devito."

Along with the support for the cause comes dozens of comments from keen fans all around the world. Ryan Foster couldn't wait for the dream to become a reality, writing: "This is the moment important cause I've ever supported."

He was joined by Tom Wilson who commented "Personally I feel Danny is the true Wolverine" and James Froggatt who said: "It's f*cking Danny Devito, enough said."

Do you passionately believe Danny should be the man to step into Hugh's shoes? If so, you can sign here.

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If the Matilda star did choose to take on the role - which, along with X-Men is entering a new era, with the franchise about to be integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe - it would mean a lot of work, given the physical nature of the part.

On a recent Television Critics Association panel, X-Men franchise producer, Lauren Shuler Donner, explained why she believed Hugh was wise to give up the role, saying it was becoming too demanding.

"[Hugh] worked so hard to bulk up, would get up at four in the morning to bulk and eat protein meals every two hours because his natural state, they used to call him Worm when he was a kid," she said. "So his natural state is a very skinny guy. Once you reach a certain age, the body just won’t go anymore. I think he was wise to say, ‘I’m at that point. I can’t do it.’"

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The Greatest Showman actor himself has commented on his departure, stating it was "time" for him to go.

"When I saw Deadpool, I was like, wow that’s cool," he said. "It’s just a matter of time. It’s a bit like you’re at the greatest party you’ve ever been at, you’ve been dancing for an hour and a half, and then you’re just like ‘It’s time, ok. If I stay any longer, it’s gonna get ugly.’ It’s like, it’s time."

We're sad to see you go, Hugh - but unendingly keen for Danny to snap up the role.