Wolverine 2 Moves Forward, March Shoot Date Planned

It looks like the deal is done and Darren Aronofsky and Hugh Jackman will be heading to Japan for the (hopefully) new and improved Wolverine 2!

We already had word that Aronofsky would most likely be the one to direct the X-Men Origins Wolverine sequel. Now Deadline are reporting that he has been (all but) confirmed to helm the new flick. I say "all but" because we still haven't head anything "official" from Fox or indeed the director himself. But Deadline are rarely off base and they reckon the wheels are in motion and they will be aiming for a March shoot date.

Darren Aronofsky's deal to direct 20th Century Fox's X-Men Origins: Wolverine 2 is close enough that discussion has turned to shooting the sound stage portions of the film in New York so the filmmaker and Hugh Jackman don't have to inconvenience their families. A March start date is being eyed so that Aronofsky has time to open Black Swan and be available for the inevitable awards season obligations. When the New York scenes are completed, they'll head to Japan to shoot the bulk of the Christopher McQuarrie-scripted movie.

There are those that think Aronofsky is crazy to take on this film after the dismal reception the first one got. I suppose they see it as a waste of his talent and would rather he worked on something with more potential. I think a director like Aronofsky would only get involved in a movie if he was 100% certain of the material. Jackman has already given (arguably) his best performance working under Aronofsky in The Fountain. And if McQuarrie's script is as good as we have heard, I think we are in for a treat.

Darren Aronofsky Reveals the Official Title of the Wolverine Sequel!

The Black Swan director whom FOX chose to helm the X-Men Origins: Wolverine sequel confirms the official title of the film, with no number "2" attached.

Chatting with Drew McWeeny from HitFix, Darren Aronofsky, who's been tapped to direct FOX's follow-up to X-Men Origins: Wolverine, reveals that a number won't be attached to the official title of the sequel, dismissing the idea of the film being a sequel at all. Here's what McWeeny said verbatim:

"The film that he's directing is officially called "The Wolverine," and there won't be a number attached to it. In our interview, he referred to the movie as a "one-off," and he emphasized that the film isn't a sequel in any conventional sense."

While the title is simple, "The Wolverine" alone showcases its distinction from Gavin Hood's origins, as well as the 'X-Men' franchise overall. Though Matthew Vaughn's upcoming origin of the 'X-Men' in X-Men: First Class will in fact stick to that continuity, we can look forward to Logan's return ruling out his four previous appearances.

Darren Aronofsky's "one-off" is sending Logan to Japan, as various artists did in comic issues over the years. If those characters descriptions that leaked plot details last month are accurate—most likely they are since the studio demanded their removal from this site—Logan will be lured to Japan to learn who he is and where he came from.

And Hugh Jackman is surely attached to reprise his role, declining to return as host of this year's Oscars in order to begin prepping. With no official release date, FOX will begin shooting in late February or early March with Matthew Libatique behind the lens.

Then you'll have to change your last name to McWeeny.

I'll be the McWeenies for this one!

I can't wait for The Superman.

If he wears that exact costume, I will rethink my mockery. Not a moment before.