Darren Aronofsky Leaves 'Wolverine' Sequel

And things were looking so good for The Wolverine, Fox’s sequel to its 2009 suckfect X-Men Origins: Wolverine. With star Hugh Jackman’s admission that its predecessor didn’t live up to its potential and the attachment of celebrated director Darren Aronofsky (The Wrestler, Black Swan), it seemed as though fans would finally be getting a proper solo film outing for their favorite cantankerous clawed Canuck. Well, those same fans were probably none too happy that Aronofsky has left the project, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

“As I talked more about the film with my collaborators at Fox, it became clear that the production of The Wolverine would keep me out of the country for almost a year,” Aronofsky said in a joint statement with Fox. “I was not comfortable being away from my family for that length of time. I am sad that I won't be able to see the project through, as it is a terrific script and I was very much looking forward to working with my friend, Hugh Jackman, again.”

And what did Fox have to say about Aronofksy’s departure?

“Hugh Jackman and Fox both remain fully committed to making The Wolverine,” the studio affirmed. “We will regroup and move forward aggressively.”

The thing is, as the studio has proved with its last two X-Men films (the jury’s still out on the upcoming X-Men: First Class), it’s great at “aggressively” moving forward…in the wrong direction.

Get Pumped for 'Wolverine 2: The Wolverine'

Okay, that headline isn‘t exactly accurate (as you’ll soon read), but I get a kick out of redundant movie titles. Yes, I‘m weird. What of it?

Hitfix reports that the follow-up to X-Men Origins: Wolverine helmed by Darren Aronofsky (The Wrestler, Black Swan) won’t actually be a sequel at all. Aronofsky told the website that the film will be called The Wolverine, and should be considered a “one-off” as opposed to a true sequel to the lackluster 2009 X-Men prequel.

In other words, think of The Wolverine as a standalone graphic novel as opposed to a trade paperback collection.

I’m cool with the idea of Aronofsky not referencing the other films, but I sincerely hope he doesn’t mangle the series’ already shaky continuity. Otherwise, Fox is better off just rebooting the series and starting fresh (although with X-Men: First Class already in production, that’d be pretty stupid).

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