'The Wolverine 3' Release Date Set In 2017 After 'X-Men Apocalypse' Will It Still Feature Hugh Jackman?
While it has been confirmed before, the announcement of the next "X-men" film almost got the next solo feature for "The Wolverine" cancelled. It has now been confirmed that there will be a solo Wolverine film AFTER "X-Men: Apocalypse."
The success of "The Wolverine" brought about the demand for a sequel. "The Wolverine" was actually the second solo feature for the character after "X-Men Origins: The Wolverine" in 2009. However, both fans and critics bashed the film and it took more than 3 years to bring the franchise back on its feet.
"The Wolverine" tapped director James Mangold for the "re-invention" (it was not a reboot) of Wolverine and its success precipitated the demand for a sequel and both Mangold and lead star Hugh Jackman were on board with for that.
The focus of Fox shifted to the grand X-Men movie, "X-Men: Days of Future Past." Director Bryan Singer, who started it all with the first X-Men movie in 2000 returned, and a full set of writers were formed as the 'brain thrust' of the mutant franchise. While "Days of Future Past" has yet to be shown, they already announced the sequel, "X-Men: Apocalypse" with a release date of May 27 2016.
This may have caught both James Mangold and lead star Hugh Jackman by surprise. They have yet to decide on a story arc for Wolverine to adapt, while the X-Men team already had more definite plans. Hugh Jackman's misgivings about his age and the character's physical requirements also caused some fears that the project might be cancelled.
Hugh Jackman was quoted on IGN about the possibility of recasting Logan: "Look, that's inevitable, man. Anyone who thinks they're indispensable in this business is fooling themselves. But I feel unbelievably blessed to have this part."
But perhaps he will hold on to the Adamantium claws until 2017, when he turns 49 years old. Director James Mangold tweeted the reassurance that there will be another Wolverine film AFTER "X-Men: Apocalypse."
@R__E__D_R__U__M @20centuryfox @ShuDonner We are figuring it all out. At the moment, I'm shooting The next #Wolverine after #XmenApocalypse.
— Mangold (@mang0ld) March 15, 2014
It is believed that the events of "X-Men Apocalypse" will spur on the changes for the next phase of the mutant movies. New characters and even spinoff movies will be announced.