FROM THE NEWS ARCHIVES OF CINEMA CONFIDENTIAL

Jackman to produce "Wolverine" spin-off
POSTED ON 06/10/05 AT 12:00 P.M.
BY ETHAN AAMES

Variety reports that Hugh Jackman's Seed Productions has made a first-look deal with 20th Century Fox; a deal which will have Jackman producing the "Wolverine" spin-off movie after "X-Men 3." John Palermo will co-produce, along with Lauren Shuler-Donner. David Benioff ("Troy") is currently penning the screenplay.

In regards to the recent departure of Matthew Vaughn at the helm and being replaced by Brett Ratner, Jackman says about the crisis, "It got to be a roller-coaster ride there, but I wasn't worried because the script is so strong. Matthew had his reasons but helped make the movie better before he left. Brett has come in with a lot of enthusiasm and full understanding of the franchise. It has been a real learning curve, as has been putting together the script on 'Wolverine.' That project is a good start for me as producer, because I have intimate knowledge of the character."