We reported earlier in the summer that The Wolverine would begin shooting in October, heading for a Summer 2012 release. However, the seemingly forever delayed project is now facing another hurdle: Hugh Jackman‘s schedule. With X-Men: First Class being released on DVD and Blu-Ray, producer Lauren Shuler Donner is doing press rounds and is revealing some information on when we are going to see the project.
In talking to HitFix she said:
I’m not sure when we’ll start. Maybe summer 2012 we’ll start shooting. It’s based on Hugh’s schedule, frankly. When he’s available, we’ll film. He’s doing Les Miserables and then he has to come and train for us. So it’s all dependent on him.
We confirmed earlier this morning that Les Miserables was going ahead with Hugh Jackman in one of the lead roles, with a December 2012 release date. That will now come before The Wolverine, so although Jackman is very passionate about it he won’t wait for it.
Darren Aronofsky has already departed the project because of all the delays and he has been replaced by James Mangold, an interesting choice and one that continues Jackman’s and the studio’s want to go with a director whose primary focus is plot and character.
So it is now anyone’s guess as to when we will see The Wolverine. Although I imagine when Real Steel comes out Jackman will be very keen to return to a blockbuster franchise which has legs. We will keep you posted on any further details.