In a new interview with Total Film, Hugh Jackman has confirmed what we’ve (almost) all been thinking- The Wolverine is not being treated as a sequel to X-Men Origins: Wolverine. The Australian actor stated:

“We’ve deliberately not called it Wolverine 2 because we want it to be placed and feel like a standalone picture.”

This is probably a good idea as  X-Men Origins: Wolverine was not reviewed very well and did not live up to its commercial expectations either. Jackman also reassures fans that the new movie will not be plagued by the same problems as its predecessor:

“The approach to character means we won’t be overloaded with mutants and teams and the like, so it’ll be more character-based. I think in many ways it will feel like a completely different X-Men film.”

During the interview Jackman revealed that the idea to set the movie in Japan came from writer Christopher McQuarrie (who also wrote The Usual Suspects and has worked with X-Men and X2 director Bryan Singer on many occasions). Jackman called the idea phenomenal and expressed his excitement that production is finally underway after a few stalls:

“I’m just really glad it’s happening. For a while it’s felt like a rocky ride. I think it’s the best idea we’ve had, the strongest script we’ve had and that now we really have an opportunity to make something really great… I’ve been waiting for it so long now. I think half the material in my one-man show is about the wait for The Wolverine!”

For a long time I’ve been under the impression that The Wolverine would be like The Incredible Hulk- not a direct sequel and with the potential to really be a standalone film, but without forgetting about the timeline that was established in the first film. After reading this interview, it appears that Jackman has confirmed my suspicions.

Do you think this is the best direction for the next Wolverine movie or would you have preferred a direct sequel? Comment below and tweet your thoughts to @HollyFangirlish.