Hugh Jackman wants Tom Hardy to be next Wolverine

With actor Hugh Jackman's time as popular "X-Men" character Wolverine nearing its end, he says he would like to see Tom Hardy step into his shoes.

"I haven't really given it a lot of thought, I've been asked that question a lot, and I'm always like, 'I don't want to make it too easy on the studio to replace me,' you know? I've still got one more to do. I'm sure they're already talking about it, and there's some actor (they've told) 'shh, keep it quiet but we want you next," Jackman said.

Jackman made his choice after a bit of thought on who could play a younger, re-imagined Wolverine reports variety.com.

"He's younger than me for sure. I think Tom Hardy would be a great Wolverine," he added.

Hardy, who is no stranger to the comic book genre thanks to his role as Bane in "The Dark Knight Rises" and an upcoming adaptation of "100 Bullets," seems to be Hollywood's choice for any big role with a potential vacancy looming.

Jackman will star in an upcoming sequel to "The Wolverine."

It's not known whether he will make cameos in the upcoming "X-Men: Apocalypse," or impending spinoffs "Deadpool" or "Gambit."