Timeline For THE WOLVERINE Explained, Plus A New Image

Empire spoke to director James Mangold about where The Wolverine fits into the X-Men universe. While it's been considered a standalone without connections to Origins, it takes place after the events of  X3. Again, it will be interesting to see how the film sets up either Days of Future Past or X-Men 4.
Also, a new image has been revealed online from Empire (via CBM) it features Logan sporting bone-claws trapped in the Japanese P.O.W. camp during WWII. It's awesome that the film will explore his time during the war setting up possible villains he'll be meeting in the present.

"Where this film sits in the universe of the films is after them all. Jean Grey is gone, most of the X-Men are disbanded or gone, so there’s a tremendous sense of isolation for him." 

"That’s something that for me was very important, that I land in a very specific place in his timeline.I wanted to be able to tell the story without the burden of handing it off to a film that already exists and having to conform to it. The ideas of immortality reign very heavily in this story and the burden of immortality weighs heavily on Logan. For me that’s such an interesting part of Logan’s character that is nearly impossible to explore if you have a kind of league or team movie." 

Hugh Jackman Talks Wolverine, First Class 2 & X-Men 4

Jackman still has a lot of love for Wolverine even though he's been playing him for ten plus years and soon to be five films. While talking to ThePlaylist he gives the impression he has a couple more films in him and wants to finally get the character right in The Wolverine. Unsurprisingly he states he doesn't believe we'll be seeing an X-Men 4 but doesn't count out showing up in X-Men First Class 2.

“I don’t see it. I can only see one movie ahead,” he said deflating hopes of a 4th “X-Men” film, despite talk in recent years by the producers of making one more. “I’m pretty sure I’m well into the second half of this match. I don’t know exactly when the end is, but I only go one at a time. If this is the last one, fingers crossed, man, I just hope we finally get that hole in one.” 

  So might Jackman pop up in a ‘First Class’ sequel? “If they come up with as good of an idea as last time,” Jackman says with a big smile, “Yeah, I could see it.”

I'm a bit skeptical about how the The Wolverine will turn out without Darren Aronofsky. It's odd that both Lauren Shuler Donner and Hugh Jackman producers on the last film have said they were unhappy with it's outcome. Odd since they made the creative decisions and allowed Fox executives to mettle with the production. I'll wait for the trailer before I start condemning but they have a lot making up to do for Wolverine fans. I'm all for more Wolverine but if they mess up Frank Miller's story they really will have lost me. On the other hand I'd rather see Jackman show up in First Class 2 as a pre-Weapon X Wolverine than watch a mess that X-Men 4 would certainly be. They could erase that magic bullet nonsense with Xavier just wiping his mind. Since the studio has established that First Class has it's own X-Men canon.

Could Bryan Singer Direct X-Men 4, New Mutants Or Deadpool?

HeroComplex had an extensive interview with cast, director Matthew Vaughn and producer Bryan Singer from X-Men First Class. While they were doing damage control over the bad cast photo which leaked. Singer praised the new cast and is aiming to direct another film in the near future. Previously producer Lauren Shuler Donner confirmed Singer's interest in directing X4.

Singer had been attached to make First Class but ultimately had to give it over to Matthew Vaughn. So he could focus on his Warner Bros. production of Jack The Giant Killer. While it's still uncertain if First Class will be successful in the long run. It's doubtful Singer would make a sequel now that the prequel is very much a Matthew Vaughn thing.

Whatever fans think about Singer he is the reason we have the first two films. I believe that Bryan Singer is the only person that could fix all the problems X3 created. Even if X4 ends up the last film in the series a fourth film very well could be a way for both the director and Fox to make it up to the loyal fans. The only problem would be being able to wrangle Halle Berry, Ian McKellen, Anna Paquin and Ellen Page back for the fourth film.

The other film could be New Mutants which Shuler Donner had confirmed to be in development along with X4 but hadn't been pitched to Fox. I'm sure if New Mutants had Singer attached it could go next. It would be an easy way to avoid the landmines left from X3.

Stephen Lang (Avatar, Conan) could take on the role of Cable who is the leader of the group and is one of the most popular characters in the X-Men universe. Lang caught wind of the fan casting and is up for it. I wouldn't doubt Fox would like to see the Avatar actor in a pivotal role in a new film.

The least likely of the bunch would be Deadpool but if you think about it could work. Singer would more than likely have to take on a film with an existing script and it's the only project in development that has a completed one. While having the likes of Robert Rodriguez or Quentin Tarantino direct are almost unlikely at this point.

Singer could bring something interesting to the Merc With A Mouth. Considering his experience in the world of thieves and mercenaries with The Usual Suspects. My only problem would be his ability to convey the humor that Deadpool spouts along with breaking the fourth wall. If they ever were going to make an X-Force film based on the more recent comics it would be another great project for him to direct.





Which Future X-Men Film Would You Like To See Singer Make? Should He Even Return To The Franchise He Helped Create? Leave Your Comments!

EDITORIAL: First Class A New X-Men Franchise For Fox?

I believe that one of the biggest reasons for 20th Century Fox making X-Men First Class is to branch out their X-Men universe. Creating a side-franchise for the studio since they could very well lose the rights to their Marvel properties like Daredevil and The Fantastic Four. The Wolverine and Deadpool have the greatest potential as successful spin-offs for Fox. The First Class films could help expand the X-Men universe while being a great place to insert their laundry list of unused mutants and origin stories.

So why do I believe that X-Men First Class is going become it's own franchise?  Fox more than likely has a plan for showing off more origins like ones for Jean, Scott, Storm and Gambit in future films. It's not financially sound to go and make solo origin films for all of these characters. Including their origins slowly in a First Class franchise makes more sense. It's also a perfect reason to have period based comic book films. While this film is set in the 60's the next film could be in the 70's. Still keeping it's Bond style of globetrotting with elaborate sets and costumes. Giving us fresh takes on the genre by changing up the eras. 

One of the biggest issues for fans was the exclusion of Jean and Scott. Yet if they were going by previous films neither would have been born when Xavier was young. Since they've sort of killed off both Scott and Jean it would make sense to feature their origin stories in a sequel.

It made sense for the first movie to focus on the older characters like Xavier, Magneto, Beast, Emma Frost and Mystique. The studio went on to use story elements from the Magento and Mystique (rumored) origin films. While it's unlikely the characters will now get their own spin-offs they could return for sequels. January Jones recently said she would like to return for another film. So it's possible they've locked in the actors for more movies.

Aaron Johnson had been rumored for the role of Cyclops and Gambit so it's possible they've already set things in motion with a cameo. Stephen Lang (Avatar, Conan) would love to play the role of Cable and could also be involved in any of the future X-Men films.

There had been talk of making a New Mutants/X-Force film but I wouldn't be surprised to see it and the members (Cable) being absorbed into a second movie. Yet you never know it could also be used in X-Men 4 which Bryan Singer is likely to direct when he is finished with Jack The Giant Killer.

Granted we haven't even seen a trailer yet but it's very possible if the movie does well this summer we could see more of these prequels.


Would You Like More X-Men Origin Stories Used In First Class 2? Should Cyclops, Jean, Storm, Cable and Gambit Be Featured In The Prequels? Leave Your Comments!

The New Mutants (2012-2013)

During interviews promoting the DVD release of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, producer Lauren Shuler Donner talked about future X-Men projects. One that shocked a lot of people was New Mutants, which hasn't even talked about before. Chris Claremont created the original series and featured a younger team of mutants that was also ethically diverse. New Mutants could be a way staying in the X-Men universe but introducing new and exciting characters at the same time. Many characters in past films have felt forced and expanding the characters into new films can give breathing room. Rather than having them as throw away character cameos.


Originally created by Professor X to replace the X-Men. The team would later be led by Cable who is one of the more popular X-Men characters. Donner also had a meeting with Deadpool co-creator Rob Liefeld mentioning the possible use of Cable in future X-Men films. My assumption is that he could be the main character in the New Mutants movie. He could be explained in X-Men First Class as the son of Scott Summers and Emma Frost. Later teaming up with Deadpool and then eventually creating the New Mutants/X-Force.


I could see Stephen Lang (Avatar) playing the role of Cable. He's got a strong badass presence along with already working with 20th Century Fox. So hopefully the man is on their radar.





I also assume that the more popular characters from New Mutants and X-Force will be in the lineup, rather than the original members. Domino who is Cable's love interest and Warpath being the two I'd hope to see in the film as leads.

The Future of Marvel At 20th Century Fox

A lot of people are under impression that we could see Wolverine and Spider-Man teaming up in an upcoming Marvel Studios production. Sadly this will not happen anytime soon. The characters that The Walt Disney Company have bought does include the X-Men universe and Spider-Man. Although that doesn't overrule film rights Sony and 20th Century Fox have with those characters. As long as those studios pay the minimum right payments each year they can make as many movies they like. This of course is unless Disney finds a way to buy back the rights, which isn't out of their means. Here is a bit of the upcoming lineups from the studios, which could put Marvel films in theaters until 2014.

X-MEN UNIVERSE


Wolverine 2: The first installment lacked vision, along with a horrible story. Bullets that can erase memory were the least of that film's problems. The success of it will attract a strong new cast and hopefully a experienced director. Focusing on Logan's Japanese years, he learns the warrior code and falls in love with multiple women. Christopher McQuarrie (Usual Suspects) is writing so at least the story will make sense. Danny Boyle and Bryan Singer have both been rumored as directing the sequel. Gavin Hood has mentioned his interest but isn't attached. I don't expect him to be after the critical bashing from film critics and fans.


Deadpool: One of the most anticipated Marvel films is finally being made. The only question is, will Fox treat the character the same way it did in Wolverine? Ryan Reyonlds promised fans it will be faithful to the comics and he would break the fourth wall. A writer and director have yet to be announced. This could be Fox's next successful franchise but I have a feeling they will mess it up and anger fans.



The film is being talked up as a mix between the original Blade and Ferris Bueller's Day Off. While violent and action oriented, Deadpool will still have a lot comedy mixed with the breaking of the fourth wall.


X-Men First Class: The film X-Men fans least want to see. It's not that I dislike the X-Men films, but why make this instead of X-Men 4? It will be centered on the first class of X-Men which includes Cyclops, Emma Frost and Quicksilver (Magneto's Son). Along with bringing back Professor Xavier back with de-aging CGI. This whole concept makes me cringe in the worst way. Another reason Marvel fans hate the way 20th Century Fox has treated beloved characters. Even the tease that Bryan Singer could direct isn't enough for me to want to see this movie made. The only reason it's being made is because all the actors are unknown. This way Fox doesn't have to shell out millions for Hugh Jackman or Halle Berry.


Magneto: One of the more interesting spin-offs. The only problem is that writer David S. Goyer wants to direct it. Goyer is an excellent writer, his directing on the other hand is horrible. I can understand why Fox isn't greenlighting the project. Let's hope Bryan Singer steps up as a producer and finds a proper director.


Gambit: It's rumored but nothing has been announced about this project. The character could appear in the three upcoming X-Men films and then later get his own movie. While fans had been asking for years to see Gambit all we got was a small cameo. Let's hope Remy will finally get the respect and the character will get a full feature centered on him.


X-Men 4: The X-Men franchise is a money machine for Fox so I doubt they wouldn't want a fourth installment. Will Marvel and movie fans put up with another lousy sequel? I'm sure the only way to do this is with the original writers and Bryan Singer behind the camera. This time around use the Sentinels and use actual adults for new mutants. I'm tired of teens as X-Men members, when Jubilee and Kitty were the only ones in the comics.




Silver Surfer: The origin story of the Silver Surfer could be amazing. That's of course if Galactus is done properly and it's a straight up fantasy science fiction film. The Silver Surfer had be ruined by the last Fantastic Four film, and I'm not sure fans will trust Fox to develop a solo film.



Daredevil: Another reboot that could have Frank Miller's involvement, let's pray it's only in written form. The idea is to bring a darker vision of Daredevil, which was the original intention in the comics. There has been talk of Jason Statham taking the role.



Fantastic Four: The least wanted reboot, to the goofiest characters in the Marvel universe. They didn't work in the movies or cartoon, I doubt they could even be adapted to film properly. I think this one of the only properties that only Marvel Studios can do justice. I think this could be the one Fox sells to Disney. The Incredibles was the best Fantasic Four film we'll ever see.