CHUD interviews Lauren Shuler Donner
November 19, 2004
INTERVIEW: LAUREN SHULER DONNER
Chud speaks with Lauren Shuler Donner about some upcoming projects and an auction for Charity work with Hollygrove. Of all the projects that were mentioned, the questions of the upcoming Wolverine movie were asked, here's the excerpts from the article. Thanks Chud
Q: The folks behind Spider-Man have announced that they want the third one to be the final one, they want to wrap up the whole story. Would you want to do something like that with the X-Men films, or do you see life beyond X3?
Donner: I don't know. X-Men is different than Spider-Man because you have so many characters, and you have so many different stories. You could go off and do Days of Future Past. You could do Hellfire Club. There's so much stuff you can do. We are making a separate Wolverine movie.
Q: Right, with David Benioff scripting.
Donner: Right.... (more of reply added)
Q: So about the Wolverine movie - what angle are you taking? A lot of fans are excited about the idea of incorporating the Asian adventures of Logan, plenty of ninjas.
Donner: The plan is to do more of an origin story for Wolverine. The first one. If that's successful, my deepest desire - I'm not reflecting Fox but you never know - my deepest desire is after the origin story, which David has worked out beautifully, it's really good - if that works, the second one could be the Mariko, ninja story.
Q: You really know your stuff!
Donner: That whole Mariko love story is phenomenal because he gets down to his basest self and it's so cool. That's a great storyline. But I think you have to do the origin first to educate the broader audience, and once you've done that and they know his history and what really happened to Logan then you can move on. You can go on to Mariko and her father and that stuff.
Q: Hugh Jackman is signed on to that or are you willing to go with another Wolverine?
Donner: No! No! I would never go with a different Wolverine. In fact, we met, Benioff and Hugh and I, and Benioff told him the story and Hugh loved it. Hugh's on board. Hugh knows the whole samurai story. I gave him those comics, he read those, so in the future he's onboard with those also.
Director for 'Wolverine'?
December 6, 2004
Wolverine Finds a Director?
Cinescape Online's Coming Attractions reports that Fox's Wolverine may have found a director. CA citing a "trustworthy" source, that Underworld Director Len Wiseman has been approached for Wolverine. How long ago he was offered the job, or whether he's the only director offered or even what his answer will be, (if he's given one) all remain unknown. All that is known is, that he's been asked. Wiseman is currently filming Underworld 2 with his wife Kate Beckinsdale. X3 is slated for a summer 2005 start, and that'll give Wiseman time to for Wolverine, if he accepts the job. Thanks Cinescape Online
Benioff Talks
January 5, 2005
Benioff Talks Wolverine
Screenwriter David Benioff's recent interview with Suicide Girls, he had offered a few words about 20th Centur Fox's plan for the upcoming Wolverine spinoff movie. He goes on to say that there's so many people at Fox and Marvel who know everything about Wolverine and meet with them to just showed how passionate he was about the character. He goes on to say, "It's not even totally finalized what story we are doing, what he can say is that in the X-Men we've seen a lot of the sweet Wolverine so I think it's time to mess him up a little bit because all the fans know that he's the best character there is at what he does but what he doesn't isn't very nice. Also getting to write 'Snikt' in a comicbook is the coolest thing. Since he isn't allowed to give any details, he does say that this is definitely the best Wolverine saga, the whole Lady Mariko and The Hand storyline. I went back and reread the Chris Clairmont and Frank Miller miniseriess and the Barry Windsor Smith Weapon X. Through an industry source for Freeze Dried Movies claims, the work approached on Wolverine story is suppose to revolve around the Assian pill popper stoy line where this Yakuza clan is using money brains to make super soldier. Thanks IGN
David Benioff talks elements of 'Wolverine'
April 15, 2005
WOLVERINE SCREENWRITER KEEPS IT REAL
Comics Buyer's Guide (issue #1605, June 2005) has an exclusive interview with scribe David Benioff about Wolverine which he's penning. Benioff said he aggressively pursued going back as far back as 3 years ago for this assignment. Though he's tight-lipped about the script, he does speak of the elements, of what Wolverine will be like. He said, he wants to rough up Jackman's marvel character, give him the opportunity that wasn't really seen in the first two X-men films, aside from the X2 invasion of the Mansion scenes. He'd promises that his story will be a "bit darker and a bit more brutal" and says he's writing a "R rated" script and that Marvel Studios and the director will have to decide where to go from there. He said he's going to stick to the more realistic storyline than the "fantatical elements" from the X-men storylines. Of course it's kinda hard to talk realism when the character has adamantium claws popping out of his hands. Benioff said his concept for this movie will be, he's a grittier character, tough, working class Canadian guy who's born with certain powers and granted more through a series of brutal experiments. To Benioff, that's his Wolverine reality and he's not going too far from that. The three page detailed interview can be in the new CBG edition on sale now at CB stores and newstands. Thanks Newsarama
Jackman's deal with Fox
June 9, 2005
Fox locks in Jackman
Seed Productions, the newly named producing venture that Hugh Jackman and John Palermo has a first-look deal with 20th Century Fox and part of that pact is for Seed Prod. to create the spin-off film that David Benioff scripted. Lauren Shuler Donner and Marvel's Avi Arad will also produce Wolverine with Jackman and Palermo once X3 wraps. Deborra-Lee Furness, Jackman's wife is also a partner in the company and Seed Prod. will develop projects for her to direct. The article goes on how the history of development of Jackman and Palermo's production company and it's pitch with Fox and how the overall first look deal was created. While Jackman hasn't developed a film yet, he participated in the behind the scenes of X3 and with Vaughn leaving and Ratner's hiring. To Jackman, it's been a real learning curve as had putting together the script on Wolverine, he said that the project is a good start for being a producer because of his intimate knowledge with the character. Palermo (who's exec. prod on X3) said that David Benioff will be turning in his first draft shortly. Jackman hopes to test Fox's resolve to be the next studio going the legit route, Seed Prod. will aspire to serve the studio's inhouse division for stage projects in the US and Australia. Thanks Variety
Another role for Hugh Jackman
October 6, 2005
If You Could See Jackman Now
Walt Disney's film If You Could See Me Now will have Hugh Jackman getting ready to sing and dance across he big screen which is based on Cecelia Ahern's novel. Hugh will play the role of an imaginary friend of a lonely six year old who has been left behind by his mother and is being raised by his aunt. The twist in the story is tht the aunt can suddenly see the imaginary friend and a romance blossoms between them. As for Jackman, this film is only one of a few films he'll be appearing in, besides Darren Aronofsky's The Fountain, Hugh is lined up to star in the untitled Woody Allen feature, Good, X3, the animated flick Flushed Away and the X-men spin-off film Wolverine and The Prestige. Thanks Rope of Silicon
Pop Watch Interviews Hugh Jackman
January 6, 2006
The Pop Watch Interview: Hugh Jackman on 'X-men 3'
Hugh sits down with popwatch to discuss the upcoming feature X3 and what to expect with Wolverine's character. And during the course of the discussion, they asked about the possible spin-off Wolverine, here's the excerpt. Thanks Popwatch
What's up with the possible Wolverine spin-off?
I'm into it. We're actually working on a script. X-men is an ensemble movie, even if some characters are in it more than others. It's all about X-Men. I love playing the part. I think it's the best part going around. I maybe biased, but I think there's so much still to be mined, still to be, learned from that [character]. I think it will stand up to a feature length movie. And we've had some really amazing interests from some great filmmakers and great writers also really intrigued by the character.
Would you consider writing it yourself?
I will always put my input from the actor's point of view. At this point I feel like I know the character, from some perspective, incredibly well, so I'll always have alot to say. But No.
Annual ShoWest Movie Industry Convention
March 17, 2006
On the Scene at ShoWest
Entertainment Weekly is attending the ShoWest annual movie industry convention in Las Vegas. In this article, they discuss Natalie Portman, the 2005 box office debates, to who's has shown up at the convention, like Al Gore and upcoming movies. One of the things the articles discusses is Hugh Jackman receiving the Male Star of the year award and his upcoming film Wolverine. Since it's not a long piece, here's what EW had to say. Thanks EW
Fresh from the set of The Prestige, the magician movie he's making with Christian Bale and Christopher Nolan, Hugh Jackman popped by to accept the Male Star of the Year award - and to answer a few prying questions from EW about his spin-off movie, whose second screenplay draft, by David Benioff (Troy), is due momentarily. "Wolverine substantiates a feature film," Jackman said. "I mean, he's a really intriguing, mysterious, enigmatic character, ala Mad Max, Dirty Harry, Han Solo — he's that kind of screen antihero." So what's the movie about? "I'd love to get into the origins of that character and find out what he's really made of. So that was always my idea.... Benioff came in with a pitch that was so brilliant, I was so excited, I actually tried to get Fox to make it [before X-Men 3]. But they said, "No, no, no, we have a trilogy, let's finish that." Ah, so that means that Wolverine will survive X-Men 3 this summer, right? "Well, you never know. Wolverine might be a prequel. Wolverine might be a prequel." Yeah, we heard him - nudge nudge - the first time.
Exclusive Video - Tom Rothman
March 20, 2006
Exclusive Video Interview: Fox Head Tom Rothman Confirms Wolverine to be a Prequel - 2 videoplayer links
Since Robert Sanchez was feeling a little bit under the weather, his 10 year old stepdaughter Alyson attended the Premiere of Ice Age 2: The Meltdown, and there she spoke with Fox Head Tom Rothman and asked some tough questions. This is what the article said. PS, don't forget to check out the video links. Thanks IESB
With the second AVP on it's way and also X-Men and Fantastic Four, why does Mr. Rothman as a studio head feel it is important to make these "genre" films? He said that they are great films to make because they are big hits, but also they are films that he likes. He says he loved comic books as a kid and he loves comic book movies now.
Also, Hugh Jackman recently alluded that the Wolverine spin off film may be a prequel, how accurate is that? Although he says he will get in trouble if he tells, just between him and her, yes it's a prequel, and that's a scoop!
Video Interview with Tom Rothman - Ice Age 2 Premiere - Windows Media Player
Interview with Tom Rothman - Ice Age 2 Premiere - Quicktime
Prequel confirmed for 'Wolverine'
March 20, 2006
Wolverine Confirmed a Prequel
For all those struggling to keep the X-men franchise going, here is a bit of news. Fox's Tom Rothman recently discussed films such as X-men: The Last Stand and Wolverine and does say that that the Wolverine spin-off is a go and it'll be a prequel. CanMag goes on to say, that they should have guessed this, as the cast and crew kept saying that X3 would be the grand finale of the trilogy started by Bryan Singer. IESB recently filmed a video with Tom Rothman, when asked about Hugh Jackman's suggestion that Wolverine would be a prequel, after some hesitation, he replied YES Wolverine will be a prequel. Thanks Can Mag
Jack talks on 'Wolverine' Prequel
May 12, 2006
Hugh Jackman on the Wolverine Prequel
With X-Men: The Last Stand getting released in in a couple of weeks, Jackman has been working very hard in the last year or two as he'll be appearing in three or four new features. And the first one is, the third installment of the X-men franchise. SHH spoke with Jackman about his upcoming film and his Wolverine prequel spin-off which is currently being written by scribe David Benioff (Troy).
Hugh Jackman has been working very hard in the last year or two, and the fruit of those labors will see the light in the next few months as he appears in three or four new movies. The first of these, of course, will be the third (and presumably final) chapter in the story of the Marvel mutants, X-Men: The Last Stand. He said that he's been reading alot on Logan's back story in the comics for preparation for the prequel. He also said this about updates on the film, "We have two drafts and David is going to do another draft, and then we'll find our director," he said. "I'm not going to make a decision until I have the script right, but I'll definitely look at Brett [Ratner]. I don't want Wolverine to appear to be 'X-Men 4' in disguise; I don't want to make it stylistically the same. I want to do something different. That's my idea. Until we have the script, I don't really know who's right, but there's been a lot of interest from a lot of really amazing directors, so I'm really excited." Thanks SuperHero Hype
Renegotiations a stumbling box of 'X-Men'?
May 13, 2006
Major renegotiations possible stumbling block for new 'X-Men'
With the suprising clip at the end of X-Men: The Last Stand, does this leave room for yet another film in the making? Well, first the spin-off Wolverine will have to be made before anymore X-Men movies. Since Hugh Jackman is set to reprise his role as the superhero in his own film, Lauren said, "Next, we're going to do Wolverine but not before the end of the year because he's in the Baz Luhrmann film. We have the script and working on it." She goes on to report about the upcoming Magneto spin-off and other films that she's working on. BTW, she did say that the younger cast members are already to sign on for a X4, but none of the older cast members have yet. Thanks Daily News
Exclusive Interview with Avi Arad
May 31, 2006
Exclusive Interview: AVI ARAD TALKS X-MEN 4 POSSIBILITES, PLUS WOLVERINE & MAGNETO SPIN-OFFS
If Magazine catches up to Avi Arad after a successful weekend for X-men: The Last Stand and they get an exclusive interview with him about upcoming Marvel projects and a possible X4. This is what was said about the upcoming Wolverine film. Thanks If Magazine
iF MAGAZINE: After the success of X-MEN: THE LAST STAND is WOLVERINE the movie going to be a sequel or a prequel?
AVI ARAD: I don't want to call it a prequel nor a sequel. It is Wolverine's story and it is really concentrating on him. It's about his life, his mysteries, and his loves. It’s not really a prequel or a sequel. It's just a story like in the comics where we have X-Men, Wolverine, and books dealing with the other X-Men. Obviously, Wolverine is the number one X-man, and deserves his own story. Hugh Jackman will make the story that much more compelling.
Latino's Script Review of 'Wolverine' (Revised)
June 7, 2006
Script Review - 'Wolverine'
Ah, a spoiler look at the upcoming Wolverine film, this script was reviewed by El Mayimbe. And due to legal reasons, the original review had to be altered but there's enough information for all you major spoiler hounds to have want cry out in relief, way to go bub! Heh. Anyways, the verdict that El Mayimbe says.... the script kicks ass bub! And gives it a B+ (really, really good). To give you some of the goods, probably stuff you already know... Wolverine will be a prequel and will have the Weapon X Program. With that being said, El said, get the script going, flows beautifully, the structure, the beat, the plot it all works. How much better can that sound? Now for some spoilers! Be warned!!!
SPOILERS (Just had to say that again, lol)
What mutants will appear? John Wraith, Logan's buddy back from his military days. Fred J. Dukes aka THE BLOB, Barbarus the all sleeved in tattooed four armed guy. The Whole Weapon X experiment had a much larger role in this script and in Stryker's plans. What we'll get to see, Logan's beserker mode (Can I say whoa? hehe), the orgin of his name, the eventual rematch of Creed and of course the whole memory loss which is handled nicely. And this is what El had to say, 'tis nice. PS. check out the link for all the really major spoilers, nice read. Thanks Latino Review
My biggest treat so far in scripts this year has been reading the Transformers and now Wolverine. David Benioff is a very good writer and he did his homework and earned his paycheck. He found a way to balance and make the comic and movie counterparts tie in together in an organic way. I'm sure the lot of you won't be disappointed. As long as the script is there and it's on the page (which it is), the studio has a blueprint to make a successful film, whether 2007 or 2008.
Simon Kingberg's Interview at iFMagazine
June 20, 2006
Exclusive Interview: SCREENWRITER SIMON KINBERG TALKS X-MEN: THE LAST STAND - PART 3
If Magazine has a sitdown chat with Scribe Simon Kinberg about X-men 3 and during the course of their discussion, the upcoming Wolverine film came in their discussion. This is an excerpt from the article. Thanks If Magazine
iF MAGAZINE: What was working with the Wolverine character like knowing they are planning a WOLVERINE movie?
KINBERG: WOLVERINE doesn't exactly come after X3 so what happens to him is not terribly relevant to his own movie. We did talk about a couple of characters that they wanted to save for the WOLVERINE movie spin-off. I can't tell you who they are, but there was really only one we wanted to use for X3, and they said they're not going to have a big enough part to risk losing them for WOLVERINE. Sabretooth will be in there, but I don't know in what form. I think his relationship with Wolverine is under explored. I like X1 a great deal, I thought the tone was fantastic and thought the X-Men were great, but I was a little under whelmed by the Brotherhood in that movie. I thought the secret island lair and Magneto's plot were confusing to me, and Sabretooth and Toad were not as strong as Mystique. I like working with actors who have inhabited their characters for a while, and I welcome their input. Hugh has lived with Wolverine for five years and he knows this character better than anybody. He knows him better than Chris Claremont or better than Avi Arad, and certainly better than any of us working on this film. Hugh was also a producer on this movie, and we worked really closely with Hugh on Wolverine. The most conversations that I had with actors on this movie were with Hugh about Wolverine and Famke about Phoenix. They both are incredibly smart people who had a lot of intelligent informed questions about the characters. I would say the most input about Wolverine came from Hugh and not the studio.
Lauren Shuler talks about future of 'X-men' Franchise
August 13, 2006
Major renegotiations possible stumbling block for new 'X-Men'
LA Daily News spoke with Lauren Shuler Donner on the future of the X-Men franchise, it's barriers that can affect it and the spin-off films, Magneto and Wolverine and other projects she's working on. Here's the excerpt from the article on Wolvie. Thanks LA Daily New
All that's putting the cart before the wolverine, of course, since Hugh Jackman is set to reprise his role as the manicure-challenged mutant superhero in his own film. "Next, we're going to do 'Wolverine,' but not before the end of the year because he's in the Baz Luhrmann film," she says of the filmmaker's untitled Australian epic with Nicole Kidman. However, "We have the script and are working on it."
Updates on 'X4' and 'Wolverine'
August 14, 2006
X-Men 4 Update
IGN writes that Lauren Shuler Donner spoke with LA Daily times about the current situation of X-men 4, Magneto and the upcoming prequel spinoff Wolverine, here's what IGN said. Thanks IGN
Jackman, however, is onboard for the prequel/spinoff Wolverine, which he is also producing for Fox via his Seed Prods. shingle. "Next, we're going to do Wolverine, but not before the end of the year because he's in the Baz Luhrmann film," Shuler Donner confirmed. "We have the [Wolverine] script and are working on it. ... We also have Young Magneto in development." Sheldon Turner is writing the Magneto screenplay, while David Benioff is penning Wolverine. No directors are attached to either project yet.
Mutant Movies
October 6, 2006
Mutant Movie Mayhem
In this short article from IGN, they wonder if there's going to be an X4 and if so, will Brett Ratner direct and Ratner spoke a little bit on the subject of X4. Stan Lee said that X-men has a bright future when he spoke with USA today and that the next movie will be Wolverine. The article continues on to say that if Wolverine is next on the block, that could put X4 and Magneto on the deck. And here's an excerpt from the article what was said about Wolverine. Thanks IGN
Star Hugh Jackman says he hopes to make the Wolverine movie soon and that he'd like to help make the film a unique cinematic experience and not a substitute for X-Men 4. "I want to make a piece that's in every way -- stylistically and character-wise -- that's different, that shows new stuff," Jackman told the ComicsContinuum.com website.
Hugh with more Wolverine News
October 15, 2006
New Wolverine News!
After everyone leaves Hugh Jackman's junket for The Prestige and his discussion of Wolverine then, only four people to stay to cover for Flushed Away and CanMag hopes they're the first ones to publish these tidbits. Hugh Jackman said that screenwriter David Benioff (Troy, 25th Hour) turned down offers from the likes of Steven Spielberg to write the Wolverine prequel. Hugh who will not only star in the film but will also produce and he's asserting his imput over the character as well. Hugh had this to say about David Benioff, "With someone like David Benioff, you let him do his thing first off, he comes back with it and then we sit down together and I said to him, I think this is fantastic. Maybe we'll go a little in this direction, or what about this? He's very collaborative and for better or worse, I played the role for three movies so it's a character that I know, and I know what I want to achieve in the film." Hugh goes on to say, that he doesn't want this film to be X4 in disguise, he wants it to feel very fresh, a whole new character piece, a character movie. That by the end of the movie, you'll definitely know who this guy is. There'll be some cool action, great characters but ultimately you'll know who Wolverine is and what he's got. So, basically what Jackman wants sounds like a fan's dream. Jackman also had to say this about David, "And he really got that. He totally got it. David's known for being one of the best character writers in Hollywood. So anyway, he's been very collaborative and I'm not trying to tell him what I think and he'll say that I disagree with you or whatever but it's been a really terrific process so far." And Hugh discusses a little bit about him aging and doing a prequel, this means that Hugh will play Wolverine who was younger than he was six years ago in the first X-Men film. He said, "Well, he doesn't age, right? We have to ask the audience to suspend their disbelief a little because I have aged. I'm not going to go and have surgery but I think that's the beauty of playing that role. I won't be able to do it when I'm 60, but I think for a few years I should be all right." Thanks Can Mag
Hugh Jackman's 'The Prestige' Interview
October 17, 2006
Interview: Hugh Jackman for "The Prestige"
While Hugh Jackman was being interviewed for his latest film, The Prestige, he had a few comments for his latest projects that he'll be doing. He looks forward to working with Nicole Kidman on Baz Luhrmann's unnamed epic film and confirms that filming begins March 26th with various locations around Oz. He also said he's currently filming Seed Productions first film The Tourist, which began on Thursday and said that it's written by Patrick Marber, and that it's very smart and sexy. He also had a few words to say about his upcoming Wolverine spin-off film. Here is the excerpt of what was said. Thanks Dark Horizons
Then, says Jackman, he goes from romanticism to Wolverine, with his X-Men prequel. "We've now signed off on the script and if you know about the history of 'X-Men' movies, that's a revolution for us. We're a year away from shooting the film and we have the script which, by the way, is unbelievable. It's a David Benioff script who's probably the hottest writer going around town, and he was beating down our door to write this movie. So, we have this fantastic script and hopefully I might be able to tell you who the director is by soon."
More Wolverine News and Updates
October 30, 2006
Wolverine Machine
According to star and producer Hugh Jackman, Wolverine is slowly but surely getting together that if all goes to plan, fans can see Wolverine in his first solo, big screen adventure in late spring of 2008. Hugh said, "That's kind of what we're looking at right now. A summer release would be great though. Perhaps that's possible, but somethings still need to fall into place." Screenwriter David Benioff has delivered the final script, initially Jackman and his producing partners inquired with a few screenwriters and considered story proposals, but they were sold on Benioff's knowledge of X-lore and enthusiasm for the Wolverine movie. With Jackman working on The Prestige and other projects, he stayed in periodic contact with Benioff as he wrote the script. Hugh said, "Here's a guy who's this amazing writer, probably one of the hottest writers going in town; Spielberg and everyone are after him, but he was beating down our door to make this movie because he's the most passionate Wolverine fan. For us, it's one of those rare combinations where you have a writer who has all these Oscar-winning directors wanting to work with and he's like, 'I want to do Wolverine!'". Jackman talks a bit more of how the drafting of the script was accomplished and said that David, "He's very collaborative". With Jackman who has played Wolverine for three films, he says he brings a unique perspective to the script. As for What Hugh would want for Wolverine, he doesn't want this film to appear at all like X4 in disguise, would like it to feel fresh, a whole new character piece, he wants it to be a character movie. Hugh said, "That by the end of the film, you'll definitely know who this guy was. Cool action, great characters but ultimately you'll totally know who Wolverine is. Like Mad Max and Dirty Harry, characters I love, he's a good guy but not a nice guy. With David being one of the best character writers in Hollywood, he's totally got it. As for working on Wolverine into Jackman's schedule, he knows it'll be a huge time committment, probably 3 to 4 months of photography, some which may take place in Australia, and then post production. But first, Hugh will be shooting a movie with Baz Luhrmann and Nicole Kidman next year in Australia and then the plan is to do Wolverine after that. Their next goal is to get a director, they're looking for one right now and he said that they're close to getting one. Thanks IGN
Jackman talks about 'Wolverine'
October 31, 2006
Jackman Talks "Wolverine" Shoot
Hugh Jackman talks to IGN Filmforce, he says "That's kind of what we're looking at right now. A summer release would be great though. Perhaps that's possible. But some things still need to fall into place". He further says that he'll be shooting a film with Baz Lurhmann and Nicole Kidman next year in Australia, and then Wolverine is planned to be lensed after that. David Benioff had delivered his final draft of the script, next things to be done is working on Jackman's schedule and which director to get. There may also be have some shots done in Australia. Hugh goes on and to say he doesn't want this feature to be an X4 style of a movie, he wants it to feel fresh with a whole new character piece and for it to be a character movie. Wants the audience to definitely know who this guy was. He further said, "Cool action, great characters but ultimately that you totally know who Wolverine is. Like Mad Max and Dirty Harry. Characters I loved. He's a good guy, but not a nice guy. He's just the guy you want on your side." Thanks Dark Horizons
JoBlo's interview with Hugh Jackman
November 1, 2006
INT: Hugh Jackman
JoBlo has a sitdown discussion with Hugh Jackman at the Ritz Cartlon in Pasadena, California. JoBlo continues to go on and say, you can believe the hype they don't get much nicer than this man, when he steps into the room, he makes it a very comfortable experience and even shares his french fries. Hugh Jackman may be one of the most accomplished actors of this generation. From fanboy pleasing X-men's Wolverine to Broadway with The Boy from Oz and now a producer. Besides being one of the busiest actors lately, he's got six films out this year alone. So during the course of this interview, he discusses what his kids can and cannot see, tidbits on Wolverine, his other projects and his recent film, Flushed Away. The interview is quite good, check out the link but since this is about Wolverine, here are the excerpts from the interview. Thanks JoBlo
What did you think of Rodney's choice of the tuxedo over the Wolverine costume?
Ah, very good. I laughed so much when I saw that. I thought, I don't know how many people are going to pick this up? It is so brilliant and of course, I didn't either until I saw the movie. When I was working on it [hums], that was it, you know. I thought it was brilliant but probably it's my choice not to go with the Wolverine costume. [laughs] That probably would have been a bit too much.
What can you tell us about Wolverine?
We just now have the final script, the final draft from David Benioff which I absolutely love and I know the fans are going to go crazy for it. It's just fantastic. Benioff is an amazing writer. Obviously you know of him, but for the fans who don't, he's probably one of the hottest writers going around town. Spielberg and everyone are after him. He was beating down our door to make this movie because he's the most passionate Wolverine fan. He's followed him since he was nine. It's one of those rare combinations where you have a writer who all these Oscar-winning directors are wanting to write for and he's like I want to do Wolverine. He's written a script which for me is the most superior of them all. And now we have to find a director which we're looking for now. I've got a couple movies coming out so if I see you guys maybe in about a month I may be able to let you know. So we're close. And then I'm shooting a movie with Baz Luhrmann and Nicole Kidman next year in Australia. And then we plan to do WOLVERINE after that.
Will that preclude doing more X-Men movies?
For me? In the immediate future. Yeah. I think the plan is to do the Wolverine movie. You know, I don't know what the future is for that franchise. I'm not sure there's no more X-Men movies. I have heard talk about a movie about the younger X-Men, sort of a more kid-oriented kind of thing, which I might have a small part in. I've heard a story about a Magneto spin-off as well. But honestly, I've probably heard what you've heard. I've heard nothing official, but, I do know that we're going to make the Wolverine movie.
What intrigues you the most about Wolverine?
Well, to me, he's one of the great screen archetypes. I think he's like when I was growing up Han Solo, Mad Max and Dirty Harry. Those were all the kind of roles I loved, you know. And that's what Wolverine is. He's the reluctant hero. He is a good guy but he's not a nice guy. I think we all love that character. He's the guy you want on your side. At the same time, there's no BS about him.
So now that you're a producer and an actor, do you wind up spending a lot of time talking with David Benioff about the character? Do you let him do his thing and then check in with him?
Well, with someone like Benioff, you let him do his thing first off. He comes back with it and then we sit down together and I say, I think this is fantastic but maybe we'll go a little in this direction or I think "what about this? He's very collaborative and for better or worse, I played the role for three movies. It's a character that I know so I feel like I know what I want to achieve with the film. I don't want the film to appear at all like X-Men IV in disguise. I want it to feel like a very fresh, whole new character piece. I want it to be a character movie and I really want by the end of the movie for you to know definitively who this guy was. Some cool action and some great characters but ultimately that you totally know who Wolverine is. And he really got that. He totally got that. David is known for being one of the best character writers in Hollywood. So he's been very collaborative and I'm not shy in telling him what I think and he'll say, I disagree with you or whatever, but it's been a really terrific process.
Hugh Jackman's 'The Fountain' Interview
November 14, 2006
Hugh Jackman on Wolverine and More
Coming Soon caught up with Hugh Jackman and spoke with him about his current film and upcoming projects. He spoke of his involvement withBaz Luhrmann's upcoming yet untitled project and on being a director. He also discussed upcoming projects through Seed Production like TV project based on BBC's 'Viva Blackpool' and Carousel with Fox 2000, which they're looking for a writer and director for it. And he also discussed a little bit about the upcoming Wolverine film. Here's the excerpt from the article. Thanks Coming Soon
The "X-Men" fans are also eager for updates on his Wolverine spinoff. Jackman said the project "is out to directors and no, I haven't heard anything. It's hard because you can't... we're approaching very A list directors so you can't give it to 20 of them at once." Asked if we can expect any mutant cameos, Jackman grinned and replied, "It's a prequel, so there won't be many. There will be other new characters."
Wolverine Update
November 27, 2006
HUGH JACKMAN GIVES WOLVERINE UPDATE
iF Magazine spoke with Hugh Jackman on his latest film, The Fountain, Hugh did give a little bit of a tease about the upcoming Wolverine movie. When he was asked how it was progressing, he replied, "I said that I would announce a director, didn't I? It is out to the directors and I haven't heard. It's hard because we're approaching very A-list Directors and so you can't sort of give it to twenty of them at once. It's a prequel, so there won't be many (recognizable X-men), there'll be alot of new characters." Thanks iF Magazine
Brian Cox in 'Wolverine' Prequel?
February 2, 2007
Brian Cox to be CG Young-ified in WOLVERINE movie?
Harry from AICN, gave a quick rundown of the technique employed for X3's Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart to make them look young. He goes on to say, they maybe employ that technique for Brian Cox on the upcoming Wolverine flick, even though the film is set 17 years in the past. Here's the excerpt from Brian Cox's talk on BBC program. Thanks AICN and Adrian
Brian Cox was on a BBC programme, Film 2007 talking about Running With Scissors, the presenter Jonathan Ross asked him about Wolverine to which Cox replied, 'it's set seventeen years ago, which is fine for Hugh Jackman as Wolverine doesn't age but for me, I'm thinking they could what they did with Patrick and Ian for the start of the third one. I know my character is in it, they've asked me to be in it but that was a while ago now, it's completely stalled so no start date as yet.'
Brian Cox in 'Wolverine'?
February 3, 2007
Cox In "Wolverine", Ford Out Of "Indy"?
Actor Brian Cox had a sit down and discussion with BBC's Jonathan Ross and he confirmed that his character from X2 is in the Wolverine script. He also said that the film is set 17 years in the past, and Hugh's character doesn't age so there's no issue there and if he's in the film, he expects to be the subject of the anti-aging technology used for the 3rd film sequence. He goes on further to say, he was asked to be in the film, but that was a while ago, it's completely stalled with no start date yet. Thanks Dark Horizons
IESB talks with Tom Rothman
February 17, 2007
Tom Rothman Opens The Floodgates
Robert over at IESB spoke with Tom Rothman, Head of Fox to get scoops on the most anticipated movies for the next couple of years. Tom discusses FF2, Galactus apparently will be appearing. AVP2 gets an R rating. X4, Wolverine still on the slate, wanted Zack Snyder to direct but he wasn't available. Wolverine is waiting for time on Jackman's schedule, and a whole lot more. Check out IESB. Thanks Latino Review
Tyler Mane talks
March 21, 2007
Movie File: Chris Brown, 'Ocean's Thirteen,' Michelle Trachtenberg & More
Tyler Mane spoke with MTV News and gave his view of what if on this spinoff, here's the excerpt from the article. Interesting nonetheless. Thanks MTV.com
Could Sabretooth be plotting to take another bite out of Hugh Jackman? According to massive actor/wrestler Tyler Mane, discussions are under way to have his evil mutant from the original "X-Men" movie return for the highly anticipated Wolverine spinoff flick. "We will see," an optimistic Mane revealed recently. "There is talk of a Wolverine-Sabretooth [plot], and we will see what happens with that." Mane might have some competition from Vinnie Jones, however, who has insisted in the past that his Juggernaut will be the target of those famed adamantium claws. Nevertheless, Mane's comments would seem to support fans who believe the prequel will have Logan seeking revenge against Victor Creed who eventually became Sabretooth in the "X-Men" comic book series. "We will see," Mane said cryptically. "You never know." ...
Paquin talks on 'Wolverine' Spinoff
March 29, 2007
Paquin on the Wolverine Spinoff
ComiingSoon.net spoke with Anna Paquin about her new upcoming film Blue State, and some comments from the X-men franchise and the Wolverine spinoff film. Here's the excerpt from the interview. Thanks SHH and ComingSoon.net
CS: You were signed to do three "X-Men" movies, so if they get around to making a "Wolverine" movie, would you still be interested in playing the character or are you over it and want to move on?
Paquin: I mean, you know, I think it would be like anything else. I loved the people I worked with and they are people I've known now for a really long time, as far as a lot of the creative people behind and in the movie. If it was something that was really interesting and exciting and I got to do something cool, of course I'd want to do it, just like anything. It would be very nice to do more of that if the timing works out or whatever.
Magneto moves forward
April 26, 2007
Fox, Marvel move on Magneto
Magneto another X-men spin-off being developed at 20th Century Fox and Marvel Studios now has a helmer, Director David Goyer. The article goes on to which direction Magneto will go and who's involved in the developing process and the status of different Marvel Pictures productions. There was a quick excerpt about Wolverine, here is what was said. Thanks Variety
After the first three "X-Men" films grossed more than $1 billion worldwide, Fox and Marvel hatched the spinoff program. "Magneto" will be the second such movie to go into production. First up is "Wolverine," a David Benioff-scripted film that will star Hugh Jackman as the steel-clawed mutant; Fox and Marvel will set a director shortly on that pic.
No spin-offs for Romijn
May 25, 2007
No 'X-Men' Spin-Offs On Rebecca Romijn's Radar
At a swanky party thrown by Maxim the Men's Magazine, Brian Jacks was able to speak with X-men star, Rebecca Romijn, about whether or not if there was talk about her alter-ego Mystique will be appearing in either X-men spin-off films. The answer to both films is no, she said "I hear the same rumors you hear, but nobody has come to me." There is a video on in this article, but only viewable in the US. Thanks MTV.com
Rothman talks X-men spinoffs
May 28, 2007
Status of X-spinoffs
When will the prequel movies Wolverine and Magneto get released? Fox's Tom Rothman tells us, sorta "It's really soon to tell. The most important thing is to get the movies right!" and he goes on to say, "If I had to guess, I'd say Wolvie in '08 and Mag in '09, but it could change." David Goyer, from Blade and Batman Begins will tell the tale of Magneto's early years in which he learns to master his powers and the development of his friendship with Professor Charles Xavier. Still though, no director has been announced yet for Wolverine which was scribed by David Benioff (Troy), but for a while now, that perhaps Brett Ratner would reunite with Jackman's adamantium-laced character. Thanks JoBlo
Wolverine and Magneto News
May 29, 2007
Wolverine and Magneto Release News
With the scoop of XMF via JoBlo, it discusses the release dates of the upcoming X-Men spin-off films. XMF contacted Tom Rothman, chairman for 20th Century Fox Film Entertainment on whether or not Wolverine is still planned for a tentative 2008 release date or Magneto who currently has a Director might be released earlier than expected. Tom Rothman replied back, "It's really soon to tell, the most important thing is to get the movies right! If I had to guess, I'd say Wolvie in '08 and Mag in '09, but it could change." The blog goes on to say, that it's no big suprise, that we all knew the films would be available to us as soon as possible. At least we've learned that Wolverine is coming out first and the film will arguably be bigger of the two. He said he was skeptical of Jackman as Wolverine at first but have to enjoy him as the character and look forward to his solo film. After the three ensemble films, he is more interested in the Magneto than Wolverine but with so many CB projects on the go, he's concerned that the quality may suffer. Thanks Doug Nagy at The Movie Blog
'Wolverine' Director?
June 5, 2007
A Director for Wolverine?
It appears there's alot of action around X-Men's spinoff prequel movie Wolverine. We've been hearing that the list of directors has been short listed to two names. Fox has been busy on finding a director to helm the first of two possible franchise spin-off from the X-men franchise and want to ensure that Wolverine and Magneto can stand on their own, as the X-Men franchise would only continue to bloat it's budget as the ensemble cast gets more expensive. Of the two directors which Fox are in talks with, one is DJ Caruso, he's currently hot property after the successful film Disturbia and he's also being courted by Dreamworks for an unnamed project. So, to hedge their bet, Fox may be looking at Len Wiseman as possibly directing if Caruso winds up at Dreamworks. But things may change, if Wiseman's Live Free or Die Hard is well received when it opens. David Benioff's script is based on the tale of a pre-X-men Wolverine and the events surrounding his adamantium skelton and claws. David Goyer has already been tapped to helm Magneto. Thanks IESB
DJ Caruso in talks for 'Wolverine'
June 6, 2007
D.J. Caruso In Talks To Direct 'Wolverine,' Source Says
IESB reports that Fox is currently in talks with DJ Caruso to helm the Wolverine spin-off film. It may not be the name you've been hoping for, but at least it's not Brett Ratner, in fact in this latest round of helmers for Wolverine, his name isn't even mentioned. Caruso directed the box office hit Disturbia and recently appeared as a guest judge on the reality tv show 'On the Lot'. We're not too sure of Caruso's comicbook background, but he did direct one episode of Smallville. The other name that's floating around IESB is Len Wiseman, he just helmed the upcoming Live Free or Die Hard film and if it kicks a ton of ass at the box office, he may climb to the top of list for everyone's Wolverine wishlist. He has done the two Underworld films with talks of doing a prequel Underworld in the works. Since this upcoming Wolverine film is set before the X-men's, it should have a completely different look and feel, and warrants a fresh prespective from behind the camera. Both Caruso and Wiseman make good choices, Caruso brings mood and Wiseman brings action. What do you think of the two men for helmers? Who would you choose? Thanks Cinematical
Director for 'Wolverine'?
June 6, 2007
Wolverine Director Buzz
With Hugh Jackman's Seed Productions and 20th Century Fox moving forward with their upcoming Wolverine spin-off prequel film, two directors have been shortlisted to helm this movie. According to IESB, the studio are 'in talks' with DJ Caruso, who helmed Distrubia, Two for the Money and The Salton Sea with TV credits for The Sheild, Smallville, Dark Angel and Michael Mann's Robbery Homicide Division. IESB also said that Caruso is currently being wooed by Dreamworks to direct a unnamed projected so Fox is also eyeing Len Wiseman who's helmed the Underworld films and the upcoming Live Free or Die Hard if Caruso passes on the offer. Wiseman was first rumored as a director for Wolverine back in 2004. Thanks IGN
'Wolverine' to be filmed first
June 21, 2007
Wolverine Still Beats Magneto to Film
With Marvel hiring David Goyer to bring their Magneto spin-off film to life, Fox are still putting their eggs into Wolverine's basket for the first X-men solo film. Kevin Feige, Marvel Studio Chief, gave Rotten Tomatoes an update while hanging out on the Iron Man set. Feige said, "I think Wolverine will be released first, we've not signed a director. Fox has not signed a director yet. There are alot of people in the mix. It's hard. I think it's very close. I thought that for four or five weeks now." Feige does go on a talk a little bit of the Magneto spin-off as well. Thanks Rotten Tomatoes
Exclusive Len Wiseman Interview
June 22, 2007
EXCL: Len Wiseman on Wolverine
In this exclusive interview with Director Len Wiseman, whose upcoming Live Free or Die Hard film which will be released on June 27th, with his success of the Underworld movies he's seems already in good with 20th Century Fox. So, SHH wondered whether he'd be interested in directing the upcoming prequel Wolverine which he's rumored to be one of the contenders. This is what Wiseman said, "'Wolverine' is something I was interested in way before I was talking to these guys about 'Die Hard,'" ... "I think it would be a great story to tell, and in the case of that film, it wouldn't be [as big] in terms of large-scale action, but it's something I'm interested in, in his origin story and the character story with that, and I know how Hugh would play it, and that would be awesome. So that would be my passion for that is that I think the character story is really cool, and I'd love to see it and be there the first day [it opens] anyway. There's so many things that have been going on and I know that there are so many other directors. There's nothing set in any fashion, but it has been talked about." Thanks SuperHeroHype
LeBeouf and Caruso reteaming for 'Eagle Eye'
June 25, 2007
'Disturbia' duo set for 'Eagle Eye'
Shai LaBeouf and Director DJ Caruso will be reteaming again for the film thriller Eagle Eye which will begin shooting this fall. The article goes on about the history of Eagle Eye's development and how DJ Caruso became involved, but there is also a short blurb about Wolverine mentioned, here's what is said. Thanks Variety
"Disturbia" grossed nearly $80 million domestically, and both LaBeouf and Caruso have been in high demand. Caruso, who had been flirting with several film projects, including the Fox-based "X-Men" spinoff "Wolverine," sparked to the chance to reprise with LaBeouf.
Wiseman talks about 'Wolverine'
June 26, 2007
LEN WISEMAN TALKS 'WOLVERINE'
Director Len Wiseman from the Underworld films and the upcoming, soon to be released Live Free or Die Hard and how well it'll be received will impact where he may go from there. One of the most likely places will to be helming Wolverine. Wiseman spoke SuperHero Hype and that Wolverine was something that he was interested in before he spoke with the guys about 'Die Hard'. He said, "I think it would be a great story to tell and in the case of that film, it wouldn't be (as big) in terms of large-scale action but it's something I'm interested in, in his origin story and the character story with that, and I know how Hugh would play it, and that would be awesome." He goes on to say, "So that would be my passion for that is that I think the character story is really cool, and I'd love to see it and be there the first day [it opens] anyway. There's so many things that have been going on and I know that there are so many other directors. There's nothing set in any fashion, but it has been talked about." Live Free or Die Hard opens Friday. Thanks iF Magazine
Moving forward 'Wolverine'
June 27, 2007
Wolverine moving ahead
Things are moving forward on Hugh Jackman's highly anticipated spin-off solo project Wolverine from the X-men franchise with a director tentatively attached. Filmmaker Len Wiseman (Underworld movies and Live Free or Die Hard, said to Superhero Hype, "I think it would be a great story to tell," and reveals also to SHH, "It's something I'm interested in, in his origin story and the character story with that, and I know how Hugh would play it and hat would be awesome." Wolverine first appeared in 2000's X-men movie, then again in 2003's X2 and reprised again in last years X-men: The Last Stand. Jackman has already expressed his excitment about participating n this spin-off movie. Wolverine was penned by scribe David Benioff. Thanks Metro.co.uk
The next Big Property?
July 10, 2007
Studios are hunting the next big property
In this article from Hollywood Reporter, they discuss the latest franchises from Spiderman, to Chronicles of Narnia to Lord of the Rings and which studios hold what franchise. Also is discussed of what's to be expected from them in gross domestic boxoffice costs, the climbing cost of cast pay with percentage of film's income that can making the series top-heavy or having cast members who haven't signed on to further films. There is also the potential ending of some too. This article discusses many issues that Studios face in maintaining franchises and the risks they take with them, some very successful and others borderline domestically and their unique relationship to the audience, so basically Franchises don't come cheap. One of the films that is discussed is Wolverine, here are a few excerpts of what was said. Thanks Hollywood Reporter
At Fox, 2006's "X-Men: The Last Stand" appears to have concluded the franchise -- at least in its present form. Instead, the studio is developing two possible spin-offs: "Wolverine," starring Hugh Jackman, and "Magneto," which would follow the character portrayed by Ian McKellen as a much younger man.
... Fox also had to add several million dollars to its above-the-line costs for "X-Men: The Last Stand" because Jackman only had signed on for the first two films, and he received $20 million for "Wolverine," though Parker declined to comment on Jackman's salary.
The studio has been so eager to get "Wolverine" out next year that it has committed to go into production the instant Jackman finishes Baz Luhrmann's epic romance "Australia," which Fox is tentatively set to release next year. "The idea is, they can finish him out in September or October and put this one on the fast track so they can get it out next summer," says one source.
For the time being anyway, it seems that "Wolverine" is the best hope for continuing the "X-Men" movie franchise. "There is no script for an 'X-Men 4,' and there is none in the works," avers producer Lauren Shuler Donner.
(2008)