"The Wolverine 2" is confirmed, but it's still far off to say the least. There probably won't be any casting rumors yet. At least, not until "X-Men: Days of Future Past" is shown because the movie will dictate what happens in the next 'phase' of the X-Men Universe. However, there is one character that could make it this early.

One of the details that was noticed by some eagle-eyed fanboys in the photos released from the "X-Men: Days of Future Past" set was that Wolverine had metal (adamantium claws again). They point out that these claws were cut off by the Silver Samurai at the end of "The Wolverine."

Empire Magazine covered that topic in their X-Men Special. According to the magazine, Director Bryan Singer suggested that Magneto could "reconstitute the adamantium claws... [Wolverine] has a different relationship with Magneto, and perhaps Magneto could forge them." Ali Plumb of Empire elaborates: "Singer is circumspect there, but it seems clear that what many presumed is what will come to pass: faced by such a great foe as the mutant-hunting Sentinels in the future, Magneto helps Wolverine with his hand-blades." . 

That is one of the main points of "X-Men: Days of Future Past," the angle that the mutants would have to unite against a powerful common enemy. Magneto just helped out Wolverine so he can help with the Sentinel slashing.

Meanwhile, the buzz about Channing Tatum playing Gambit was recently explored when he teased about it last year. From MTV:"Man, I was dying to play [Gambit]. My dad's from Louisiana and I think I've always just gravitated towards Gambit in general. He's just cooler than anything to me. They didn't end up putting his character in because he's such a big character that they were waiting..."

It was given a big push when "X-Men"Producer Lauren Shuler Donner declared his affirmation of the idea. From Empire: "I'm dying to do a Gambit movie with Channing Tatum. That doesn't have to be a great big movie. It's a thief in New Orleans, it's a whole different story. He's on board, and I have to get the studio on board. How can anyone resist Channing? He's such a sweetheart."

Film producers should take advantage of perfect timing and perfect casting. Some purists may be averse to Tatum, a real mainstream pop icon playing the enigmatic Gambit. However, no one can deny that it will be a huge draw. For some producers, that may be all that matters.