AceShowbiz -

Gearing up for the "X-Men" spin-off about the claw-wielding mutant Wolverine, 20th Century Fox has announced the new title for the project plus the scheduled date of its release in theaters nationwide.

From now on, the Gavin Hood-directed is officially referred as "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" and has a slated May 1, 2009 release date, which will put it against Walt Disney Pictures' animated feature of "G-Force." Production is set to begin later this year in Australia before moving to New Zealand and New Orleans.

Story is said to explore the violent and romantic past the titular character experienced as well as his complex relationship with Victor Creed and the ominous Weapon X program. Some other mutants who already appeared in the three "X-Men" movies and some new ones are expected to also be featured in.

Wolverine's nemesis William Stryker, played by Brian Cox in "X-Men 2", will show up as well in a younger version. Fox reportedly is holding final negotiations with "Scream" trilogy star Liev Schreiber to give him the role.