Fox’s ‘X-Men’ film franchise generated numerous live-action representations of various Marvel characters, either directly part of the X-Men or affiliated with the team in some capacity.
The acclaim of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine in the initial ‘X-Men’ trilogy led to the creation of his own standalone trilogy, while the second film had a supporting character frequently linked to the X-Men, especially in relation to Wolverine in the source material.
Yukio, portrayed by Rila Fukushima, made her live-action debut in the 2013 film ‘The Wolverine.’ This article will analyze her character and elucidate her circumstances following the events of ‘The Wolverine.’
In ‘The Wolverine,’ Yukio is portrayed as a Japanese ninja and mutant who collaborates with Jackman’s titular character against adversaries including the Yakuza, Viper, and the Silver Samurai.
At the conclusion of the film, Wolverine and Yukio embark on the private plane, leaving Yukio’s fate thereafter uncertain. The subsequent film, ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past,’ supplanted the original chronology with a new version, introducing a different character, Yukio, portrayed by Shiori Kutsuna, in 2018’s ‘Deadpool 2.’
In addition to being a proficient martial artist and swordswoman, Rila Fukushima’s Yukio possessed the ability to predict another’s demise. She worked with Wolverine to keep Mariko, Ichirō Yashida’s daughter, safe from Yakuza.
Subsequently, she collaborated with him to confront the Viper and the Silver Samurai. Subsequent paragraphs will explore her narrative and the events that transpired following the timeline reset in ‘Days of Future Past.’
The Narrative of Yukio in the Original Source Material and The Wolverine
Yukio, conceived by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller, had her inaugural appearance in ‘Wolverine’ #2 in September 1982. She was consistently portrayed as a secondary character in the X-Men, especially alongside Wolverine.
The character was initially intended to be Storm’s romantic partner; but, Jim Shooter, the editor-in-chief of Marvel books at the time, rejected the inclusion of same-sex partnerships in the books.
In the original material, Wolverine and Yukio initially encountered each other while she served as an assassin for the Japanese criminal lord Shingen Yashida, the oppressive father of Wolverine’s romantic partner, Mariko Yashida. Despite being contracted to assassinate him, Yukio developed feelings for Wolverine and ultimately assisted him in vanquishing Shingen.
Subsequently, in 1983’s ‘Uncanny X-Men’ Volume 1, Issue 172, Yukio collaborated with Wolverine and Mariko to thwart the Viper and Silver Samurai’s attempt to seize control of Clan Yashida.
This comic narrative inspired the 2013 film ‘The Wolverine,’ the second installment in the Hugh Jackman-led trilogy. The film portrayed Yukio as a ninja and mutant assigned to locate Wolverine in Canada and escort him to Japan to bid farewell to Ichirō Yashida, whom Wolverine rescued from the nuclear detonation in Nagasaki in 1945.
Yashida’s true intention was to acquire Wolverine’s regenerative powers to avert his impending demise. The Viper, masquerading as Yashida’s oncologist, utilized her powers to eliminate Wolverine’s healing skills, prompting Yukio to assume the role of Wolverine’s protector.
She informed him that she predicted his demise; he would perish with his heart in his grasp. Despite being disproven in the film, it engendered a hypothesis among fans that she was alluding to his demise in 2017’s Logan, when he cradled his daughter Laura as he perished.
The film’s third act culminated in the ultimate clash between Wolverine and the Silver Samurai, who was revealed to be Ichirō, while Yukio engaged in combat with Viper. Subsequent to their triumph, which culminated in the demise of Ichirō and Viper, Mariko assumed control of the Yashida corporation.
Yukio accompanied Wolverine on a private jet as he departed Japan, asserting that she still regards herself as his bodyguard.
What Happened With Yukio After the Events of The Wolverine?
The conclusion of ‘The Wolverine’ features Hugh Jackman’s eponymous character and Yukio deliberating their next destination, while the mid-credit scene portrays Wolverine at the airport, where he encounters Charles Xavier and Magneto, setting the stage for ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past.’
Consequently, we can infer that he and Yukio separated at some point between the film’s events and its mid-credit sequence.
The subsequent film, ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past,’ employed its narrative to alter history and establish a new, revised timeline within the franchise. Although Fukushima’s Yukio has not appeared in the updated chronology, it is assumed she was eliminated from existence, as the Yukio in the corrected timeline was introduced in ‘Deadpool 2,’ portrayed by Shiori Kutsuna.
Kutsuna’s portrayal of Yukio should not be regarded only as a recasting of the identical character. In the updated timeline, Yukio is portrayed as a youthful mutant possessing the capacity to control and manipulate electricity. She is also portrayed as the girlfriend of Negasonic Teenage Warhead.
Shiori Kutsuna has formally committed to repeat her part in the forthcoming ‘Deadpool 3,’ alongside Hugh Jackman, who will also return as Wolverine. It will be intriguing to observe whether Wolverine has memories of Yukio from the original timeline and how he will respond upon encountering Kutsuna’s rendition of the character.
Shiori Kutsuna will reprise her role as Yukio in ‘Deadpool 3,’ set for release on May 3, 2024. Nonetheless, given the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike in Hollywood, it is uncertain whether the film will maintain its scheduled release date.
Look at the journey of Yukio in Marvel’s live-action adaptations and her captivating trajectory through several timelines. Check her relationship with Wolverine and the alterations resulting from the reset. Visit our website for a comprehensive analysis and the most recent updates on ‘Deadpool 3’ and the Marvel universe.