Wolverine and Sabretooth’s Fierce Feud That Transcends Comics

The rivalry between the two mutants is one of the most intense in Marvel Comics history, full of betrayal and tragedy. Although their relationship was treated differently in the X-Men films, in the comics these two characters have always harbored a deep hatred for each other.

An intense story in comics

Both mutants did not originate as rivals or X-Men characters. Wolverine first appeared as an adversary to the Hulk in 1974’s “The Incredible Hulk #180” before joining the X-Men. For his part, Sabretooth debuted as a villain to Iron Fist in “Iron Fist #14” three years later. Their first significant confrontation came in 1986’s “Uncanny X-Men #212,” part of the “Mutant Massacre” crossover. However, their enmity runs much deeper.

Logan’s hatred for Sabretooth is explained in “Wolverine #10” (1989).when it is revealed that in the early 20th century, Victor Creed brutally murdered Logan’s girlfriend, Silver Fox, on Wolverine’s birthday. This tragedy marked the beginning of a macabre tradition where Sabretooth would continue to kill and leave bodies for Wolverine every year on his birthday.

Chris Claremont, famous X-Men writer, had hinted that Sabretooth could be Logan’s father. While this theory has never been confirmed in the comics, the possibility has added an extra layer of tension to their relationship. However, the comics have confirmed on several occasions that Sabretooth is neither Logan’s father nor his brother.

The Rivalry in the X-Men Movies

The X-Men films offer a different take on the relationship between Wolverine and Sabretooth. In “X-Men” (2000), Logan (Hugh Jackman) meets Victor (Tyler Mane) when he and Rogue (Anna Paquin) are attacked by the mutant under orders from Magneto (Ian McKellen). Although they briefly confront each other, their rivalry is not fully explored until “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” (2009).

In this film, both mutants are presented as Step Brotherswith Victor Creed (Liev Schreiber) as the eldest. The film chronicles how they grew up together, fought in several wars, and eventually separated because of Victor’s bloodlust. Logan falls in love with Kayla Silverfox (Lynn Collins), but when Victor seemingly kills her, Logan seeks revenge.

Liev Schreiber Almost Returned Logan

Liev Schreiber was close to returning as Sabretooth in “Logan” (2017), Hugh Jackman’s farewell as Wolverine. During production, Schreiber revealed that he and Jackman discussed the possibility of Sabretooth appearing in the film. However, due to commitments with the series “Ray Donovan”Schreiber was unable to attend.

Co-writer Scott Frank mentioned that had considered the idea of ​​Logan and Laura (Dafne Keen) asking Victor for helpbut this idea was removed from the final script. Despite this, “Deadpool & Wolverine” managed to bring Tyler Mane’s version back to life, bringing the X-Men franchise full circle.

Deadpool and Wolverine

Finally, the long-awaited reunion of Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine came in the summer blockbuster “Deadpool & Wolverine” (2024), giving a significant twist to the MCU. Although the title suggests a couple, the film includes several surprising cameos from famous Marvel characters. One of the most notable cameos is that of Tyler Mane as Sabretoothmarking his return more than 20 years after the first X-Men film.

The rivalry between the two mutants is more than just a comic book feud; it’s a saga of betrayal and personal tragedy that’s evolved over decades. From brutal murders and emotional manipulations to shocking revelations and epic battles, their mutual hatred is one of the Marvel Universe’s most complex and fascinating narratives.

Deadpool and Wolverine is in theaters now, offering fans a new perspective on this historic rivalry.