Back in March, screenwriter Chistopher McQuarrie ("The Usual Suspects") reportedly finished the screenplay for "Wolverine 2" with an early 2011 shoot date in mind. Although the official start of filming hasn't been announced, Hugh Jackman may have just made a major commitment to prepare himself for his iconic role.
Deadline is reporting that Jackman has dropped out of director Kevin Lima's "Avon Man" in order to spend the fall getting back into "killer shape" for his fifth appearance as Logan/Wolverine. Thus far, there is no word on who will direct "Wolverine 2," but Jackman's move is seen as an indication that the film is on track to begin production next year.
Jackman will stay on board "Avon Man" as a producer, which is expected to find a new star and begin filming in the fall. However, Jackman may still appear as Sheriff Jim Clark in the civil rights drama "Selma" before beginning his Wolverine training regimen.
Earlier this year, Jackman praised McQuarrie's script as "the best one we've ever had" and indicated that the film would be shot in Japan.
"At least part of it [will be filmed in Japan]," Jackman told MTV News. "You know how these things work. We may not be able to do all of it in Japan, but definitely a lot of it."
The sequel is based on the classic Chris Claremont and Frank Miller "Wolverine" miniseries which placed Logan at odds with a dangerous Japanese crime lord when Logan falls for his daughter, Mariko.
Early reports indicated that director Bryan Singer might consider reuniting with McQuarrie and Jackman on this sequel, but his commitment is already set with Warner Brothers' "Jack the Giant Killer;" which is also filming early next year.
"X-Men Origins: Wolverine" director Gavin Hood has also expressed his interest in returning to the franchise.
Are you excited to hear that Jackman is already making plans to get in shape for "Wolverine 2"? Who would you like to see come on board as the director? Sharpen your claws and let us know what you're thinking in the comment section and on Twitter!