The sequel to the 2009 movie is looking ready to start its production soon as James Mangold has struck a deal to direct and the main actor is in shape.
- Jun 17, 2011
AceShowbiz - "The Wolverine", the second movie about the Canadian superhero from the X-Men universe, can move forward now that a director has been attached. "Walk the Line" director James Mangold replaces Darren Aronofsky in the helming duty.
Aronofsky announced in March that he bailed out of the movie to spend more time with his family following the success of "Black Swan". "I was not comfortable being away from my family for that length of time," said the director who has 5-year-old son with ex-girlfriend Rachel Weisz.
20th Century Fox was in frantic mode to find his replacement and had made a shortlist which included Doug Liman, Mark Romanek, Antoine Fuqua, Mangold and several more. But one by one the names wilted down and Mangold became a strong contender in the race. Hugh Jackman, who plays the titular character, told EW at that time, "We're not going to settle. We're going to find a director as good as Darren, if not better. Well, as good. Everyone is still pushing forward to getting it done."
"The Wolverine", which script is written by Christopher McQuarrie, will be set in Japan with incorporated elements of ninja storyline. There's no new start date announced currently but it could be imminent for Jackman has been spotted in shape to portray the character.
