14 DAY TRIAL // Until a short while ago, the sequel to “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” called “The Wolverine,” was a go, with actor Hugh Jackman as the lead and Darren Aronofsky in the director’s seat. Only one of them is still on board – but that’s not to say the project is dead.
Just as the crew was about to travel to Japan to start working on the film, Aronofsky (“Requiem for a Dream,” “The Fighter,” “Black Swan”) announced that he was forced to drop out of the project because of personal issues.
Fans were shocked to hear of the decision, especially since the director’s involvement had been confirmed a long time before.
In fact, Jackman had even started working out more and eating bigger meals in order to pack an extra 25 pounds of muscle for the role, as per Aronofsky’s instructions.
Speaking with EW at a recent event, the Australian actor promised fans that, even though the film is sans director right now, that’s not to say it won’t be made at all, as some media outlets have speculated these past few days.
It’s nothing but a bump in the road, which, unfortunately, also pushes the release date back a bit, Jackman stresses.
“So now we’re out looking for a director. We were pretty much ready to go. The script is fantastic – the best we’ve ever had, which is why it attracted Darren in the first place,” the actor says.
With Christopher McQuarrie working on the script (he also wrote the script for “The Usual Suspects”), there can be little doubt that the story is “fantastic.”
“His personal situation precludes him from doing it now, and I feel for him. But now we need to find a director,” Jackman says of the reasons why Aronofsky had to leave the project.
Not all is lost, though: they’re now looking for another director and, as Hugh puts it, they’re looking for someone who can hold a candle to Aronofsky.
“We’re not going to settle. We’re going to find a director as good as Darren, if not better. Well, as good. Everyone is still pushing forward to getting it done,” he explains.