Logan Producer Talks Fox's Hesitancy To Reboot Wolverine
Back in 2000, moviegoers around the world were introduced to 20th Century Fox's first live-action take on X-Men. The blockbuster saw actors like Sir Patrick Stewart and Halle Berry take their first swings at playing their mutant roles, but it was Hugh Jackman who truly stood out. The Aussie actor premiered his iteration of Wolverine in X-Men, and the actor just exited the role after more than 15 years. Logan bid farewell to Jackman's take on the hero, leaving the X-Men Cinematic Universe devoid of one of its biggest moneymakers. Still, fans shouldn't expect for Fox to replace Jackman in the near future.
Apparently, when it comes down to it, the studio isn't sure how to replace Jackman following the actor's 17-year stint.
Recently, one of Logan's producer sat down with ScreenRant to talk about a variety of X-Men topics, and Hutch Parker was asked specifically about Jackman being replaced on film. The producer said the franchise will focus on exploring new characters and let Wolverine rest for a bit.
"I think for the moment our focus really is on other characters. I think there's a part for all of us that feels like Logan, as played by Hugh, is the definitive performance of that character. And I think we're all a little hesitant at the idea of rebooting it in any way," Parker explained.
"So, for the moment we're going to look at – there's so much else explore in the [X-Men] Universe and to play with."
Earlier this year, Parker said something similar about Fox's goals regarding Wolverine.
"I think there's a part for all of us that feels like Logan, as played by Hugh, is the definitive performance of that character. And I think we're all a little hesitant at the idea of rebooting it in any way," he said.
"So, for the moment we're going to look at – there's so much else explore in the [X-Men] Universe and to play with. Particularly now as we've seen such bold tonal choices being made, I think that opens up the landscape as well, to seeing other genres living kind of fully within the comic book genre."
In 2029, the mutant population has shrunk significantly and the X-Men have disbanded. Logan, whose power to self-heal is dwindling, has surrendered himself to alcohol and now earns a living as a chauffeur. He takes care of the ailing old Professor X whom he keeps hidden away. One day, a female stranger asks Logan to drive a girl named Laura to the Canadian border. At first he refuses, but the Professor has been waiting for a long time for her to appear. Laura possesses an extraordinary fighting prowess and is in many ways like Wolverine.
She is pursued by sinister figures working for a powerful corporation; this is because her DNA contains the secret that connects her to Logan. A relentless pursuit begins … In this third cinematic outing featuring the Marvel comic book character Wolverine we see the superheroes beset by everyday problems. They are ageing, ailing and struggling to survive financially. A decrepit Logan is forced to ask himself if he can or even wants to put his remaining powers to good use. It would appear that in the near-future, the times in which they were able put the world to rights with razor sharp claws and telepathic powers are now over.
Logan stars Hugh Jackman (Logan), Boyd Holbrook (Donald Pierce), Patrick Stewart (Charles Xavier), Dafne Keen (Laura Kinney/X-23), Stephen Merchant (Caliban), Elizabeth Rodriguez (Gabriela), and Richard E. Grant (Dr. Zander Rice).
James Mangold (The Wolverine) directed, based on a screenplay he co-wrote with screenwriters Scott Frank and Michael Green.
MORE: Logan Director Shares His Idea For An X-23 Movie / Logan: Hugh Jackman Was Originally Hesitant To Play X-24 / Logan Director Has Spoken To Fox About X-23's Return
