X-Men Origins: Wolverine

It's taken me a while to write about news on the "Wolverine" movie mainly because news was slow and uncertain. The spin-off on the popular X-Men franchise is now gaining some traction though in the past few months. It has also since been renamed, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine". Which I think is a horrible idea for a title. By this time, most everyone is aware of the character Wolverine, and I think it's unnecessary to rename it.

The film is set for a May 1st 2009 release now and is to be directed by Gavin Hood who most recently directed the political thriller "Rendition". Gavin Hood seems to me to be an interesting choice and hopefully will add some needed dramatic elements to the origin story of this iconic character. The story will revolve around how Logan, AKA Wolverine first became involved with the Weapon X program before he ever joined the X-Men.

The movie will obviously star Hugh Jackman in the title role, along with some new characters, and a few familiar ones. The first being the character of William Stryker, who was last seen in 2003's X2, played by Brian Cox. Stryker was the man responsible for giving Wolverine his unbreakable Adamantium skeleton. Actor Liev Schreiber is in talks to play a younger version of the character. I really like this casting choice, Schreiber is a solid actor and I enjoyed his work in The Manchurian Candidate in particular.


Also rumored to star is Actress Maggie Q (Die Hard 4, Mission Impossible 3) as Logan's love interest Silver Fox. In the comic version, she is an important part of Logan's past, and should be as important in the film adaptation. I don't have much of an opinion on Maggie Q's acting ability, but she does fit the look quite well.


Another rumor is that the director is attempting to get Gerard Butler to star as the psychopathic killer mutant Victor Creed, who eventually becomes Wolverine's arch-nemesis, Sabretooth. Sabretooth was featured in the first X-Men movie, played then by ex-wrestler Tyler Mane. I was incredibly unhappy with how they depicted the character in that movie, and I think Butler would make a much better Victor Creed. I thought he did very well in "300" as King Leonidas, and I'd be curious how he handles an awesome role such as this one. Apparently the role was originally offered to Karl Urban (Doom, Lord of the Rings), but he has since moved on.


The movie starts filming early next year in Australia, more news as it develops.


**UPDATE**
News rolls in fast.... the studio has just released the official synopsis, which shows an interesting nugget at the end.... I wonder what mutants they're talking about? I have heard rumors of characters such as Deadpool, Juggernaut, The Blob, and Gambit being included in the story. I guess we'll have to wait. Read on...

X-Men Origins: Wolverine is set to star Jackman and will be directed by Gavin Hood (Tsotsi, Rendition). The producers are Lauren Shuler Donner and Ralph Winter (who produced all three previous "X-Men" films), along with Jackman and his Seed Prods. producing partner, John Palermo. The film will be executive produced by Marvel Films' Kevin Feige.


Leading up to the events of X-Men, X-Men Origins: Wolverine – written by David Benioff (The Kite Runner, Troy) – tells the story of Wolverine's epically violent and romantic past, his complex relationship with Victor Creed, and the ominous Weapon X program. Along the way, Wolverine encounters many mutants, both familiar and new, including surprise appearances by several legends of the X-Men universe.