The X-Men don’t exist in Marvel’s Wolverine, and while Spider-Man does, he’ll only appear fleetingly in an “Easter-eggy” kind of way

Insomniac Games has clarified the roster of Marvel characters appearing in the upcoming Marvel’s Wolverine, following a gameplay reveal at Sony’s State of Play presentation.

The developer confirmed that the X-Men do not exist within the game’s universe. Instead, creative director Marcus Smith explained that the studio wanted to focus on a Wolverine-specific storyline set in a world where mutants are not widely known or understood. Rather than featuring the traditional X-Men team, the game will introduce Team X, described as a globe-trotting group of mercenary mutants dedicated to protecting other mutants in danger—a concept aligned with the game’s themes of mutant persecution by organizations like Trask Industries.

Several recognizable X-Men characters will still appear in the game. Jean Grey features as an ally who fights alongside Logan in combat sequences. Sabertooth, traditionally portrayed as Wolverine’s nemesis, will also be an ally in this version rather than a primary antagonist, as revealed by game director Mike Daly. Other mutant characters confirmed to appear include Leech, Omega Red, and Sentinels.

Despite Insomniac’s successful history with the Spider-Man franchise and the game being set in the same universe as those titles, Spider-Man will not make a meaningful appearance. Though the opening article’s title suggests a possible “Easter-eggy” cameo, Insomniac has moved to preempt confusion by confirming the web-slinger’s absence from the adventure, which spans multiple continents rather than focusing on New York.

The game is scheduled to launch later in 2026.

The X-Men don’t exist in Marvel’s Wolverine, and while Spider-Man does, he’ll only appear fleetingly in an “Easter-eggy” kind of way

Sources