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Reports are coming in that a script for the second WOLVERINE movie has been finished, and the film is scheduled to begin shooting in January 2011.  Roger Friedman’s Showbiz411 is reporting that screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie (who also penned THE USUAL SUSPECTS and VALKYRIE, both for Bryan Singer) has delivered a script which is (in Friedman’s words) “a little different than we originally thought.”  X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE (2009) grossed $373 million worldwide, with a domestic gross of almost $180 million.  That film had an estimated budget of $150 million too, but perhaps the most impressive aspect of its success is the strong box office take despite a nearly-finished workprint being widely pirated online over a month in advance to the theatrical release.

The sequel is said to be based on the original WOLVERINE mini-series by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller, which kicked off the overwhelming popularity of the character for Marvel Comics, and prompted numerous spin-off series and appearances in other Marvel titles.  Sure, Wolvie first appeared in THE INCREDIBLE HULK #181 back in the 1970’s, and was in the X-MEN titles before the 80’s, but that mini-series is what made the clawed Canadian a nerd’s household name.  Friedman stated that from what he’s heard, this sequel will feature “a love story featuring a Japanese actress.”  He went on to quote his source to say “It’s a beautiful story, and will be very different than the first film.”

Hugh Jackman had been quoted before in an interview with MTV way back in April of last year as saying “”I won’t lie to you, I have been talking to the writers” and “I’m a big fan of the Japanese saga in the comic book.”  If you’re a big fan of the X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE film, and watched it all the way through past the credits, you may recall the post-credits tag with Logan in a Japanese bar, “drinking to remember.”

As of now, there is still no director attached, though it looks as though things are definitely moving forward.  Considering the time between now and the expected start date, a lot of things could change, and script rewrites should be expected.  Russ Fischer over at SlashFilm commented on all of this info, particularly the Japanese aspect saying:

That suggests that the primary female character is switched from being Mariko Yashida, the daughter of Lord Shingen Harada. In the limited series, Mariko was forced into marriage with an abusive man, which Wolverine attempted to help her escape. Shingen drugs Wolverine and challenges him to a duel, who defeats him. Also involved is a female assassin named Yukio, who later became part of the extended X-Men universe.

The female lead could still be the daughter of a warlord, or married to an abusive man. Maybe she’s married to an abusive warlord! More than anything else, I expect the script to make the female lead a more active presence than we saw in the mini-series.

I didn’t hate X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE, though like many hardcore comic fans I was a bit disappointed at some of the character changes they made with the supporting cast.  Ultimately I still found it to be an entertaining film, and a testament to Hugh Jackman as a leading man.  I do think in the hands of the right writers and the right director, this next film could be pretty incredible.  Just imagine Wolvie battles samurai warriors!  What do you think?  Tell us in the comments below.

Sources: SlashFilm – Showbiz411

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