The Wolverine - Pre-Production

[jo]

More confirmation that filming starts this month...also, is Jessica Biel flying to faraway Sydney simply to negotiate for a role

www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/insider/actor-jessica-biel-arrives-in-sydney-this-month-to-negotiate-a-role-alongside-hugh-jackman-in-the-wolverine/story-e6frewt9-1226426146755

Actor Jessica Biel arrives in Sydney this month to negotiate a role alongside Hugh Jackman in The Wolverine

J.Mo and Elle
The Sunday Telegraph
July 15, 201212:00AM



Hugh Jackman, with daughter Ava, arrives in Sydney for the filming of The Wolverine. Picture: Attila Szilvasi Source: The Sunday Telegraph


JESSICA Biel could inject a little sexiness into Sydney this month with reports she's in final negotiations to star alongside Hugh Jackman in The Wolverine.

As Jackman flew into Sydney to start production on the X-Men spin off, sources told Insider that Justin Timberlake's fiancee is keen to join the $80 million blockbuster.

The 30-year-old US star would play Viper, a villain but former ally of Logan (Wolverine) in the Marvel comic franchise.

Yesterday, Jackman, 43, appeared in great shape as he carried his daughter Ava through Sydney International Airport after a Jetstar flight from Bali. He was also joined by wife Deborra-Lee Furness and their son, Oscar.

Picked up by friends, they headed to their temporary Woollahra home where they'll be based for the next few months of production in Sydney.

"I'm happy to be home," Jackman told Insider.

The actor was spotted pumping iron at a gym in Bali last week, after playing convict Jean Valjean in Les Mis aacrables, which wrapped shooting in the UK on June 23.

Production on The Wolverine, in which the mutant travels to Japan to train with a Samurai warrior, is set to begin this month at Sydney's Fox Studios.

[jo]

According to Jessica, it is not yet a done deal ??

www.unleashthefanboy.com/movies/sdcc-2012-jessica-biel-says-she-might-not-be-in-the-wolverine/19596

Jo

[jo]

Cameras to start rolling on July 31!

if.com.au/2012/07/16/article/Cameras-roll-on-The-Wolverine-on-July-31/IZYJUAUOKZ.html

Cameras roll on The Wolverine on July 31

[Mon 16/07/2012 01:54:10]


By Sandy George

Production begins on The Wolverine in Sydney on July 31 -- that is, on a Tuesday in two weeks -- with Hugh Jackman starring in the title role.

Logan/Wolverine travels to Japan to train with a Samurai warrior in this new episode, the sixth outing for Jackman as this character, although he only had a cameo in X-Men: First Class.

Director James Mangold and his cast and crew are working out of Fox Studio Australia and will travel all around Sydney, including Kurnell, to get the settings they require. A few weeks of filming will also occur in Japan.

Media outlets around the world have run with the news that Jessica Biel and Will Yun Lee have both been cast as villains in the upcoming film – Biel as Viper and Lee as The Silver Samurai – and that Hiroyuki Sanada, Hal Yamanouchi, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima and Brian Tee are also in the cast..While this may be true, IF Magazine was told today that no cast contracts have been signed.

It was confirmed, however, that the cinematographer is Amir Mokri, who moved to the US from Iran when he was in his early 20s and has most recently worked with Zack Snyder on Man of Steel and Michael Bay on Transformers: Dark of the Moon.

The producers are Lauren Shuler Donner, Hutch Parker, Scott Franklin, Jackman and John Palermo, Jackman's business partner at the now defunct Seed Productions. US line producer Joseph Caracciolo is on executive producer duties and Anne Bruning is unit production manager.

IF Magazine has it on good authority that Francois Audouy is the production designer, Ellen Mirojnick is costume designer, Nick Copping is production co-ordinator, and Jen Lamphee is make-up and hair supervisor, but confirmation was not forthcoming.

Hugh Jackman has only been back in Sydney for a few days, and photos of him walking through the airport and swimming at Bondi Beach have already been published. If Biel is in the film, expect some media tracking of Justin Timberlake too, as the pair are engaged to be married.

Most recently Jackman played Jean Valjean in Tom Hooper’s big-screen adaptation of Les Misérables.

The Wolverine is a direct sequel to X-Men Origins: Wolverine, which was directed by Gavin Hood. Darren Aronofsky was originally attached to direct the follow-up but was replaced by Mangold, who is best known for Walk The Line, the biopic about country and western legend Johnny Cash.

[jo]

Michael Ryan talks about the training regimen of longtime friend, Hugh Jackman!

www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/hugh-jackman-into-hard-work-for-his-return-as-wolverine/story-e6frf96o-1226427545256

Hugh Jackman into hard work for his return as Wolverine

Staff Writer
From:The Daily Telegraph
July 17, 201212:00AM


LOOKING every inch worthy of his Marvel Comics hero status, Hugh Jackman returned to his proven Bondi workout routine yesterday to ensure the success of his latest Wolverine film.


Hot stuff: Actor Hugh Jackman is seen taking a swim at Bondi Beach after a heavy gym workout. Picture: Snapper Media Supplied


The actor flew into Sydney on Saturday with his family and has wasted no time returning to the gym.

The star arranged a pre-dawn session pumping weights at Bondi Beach Fitness and Health, and followed it up with a brisk winter cardio session in the surf.

Fresh from shooting musical drama Les Miserables in the UK, the star has gone straight back to the gruelling fitness schedule that builds 10kg of muscle and transforms him into what his fitness trainer calls his "masterpiece".

Jackman's personal trainer of 20 years, Australian Mike Ryan, said the 43-year-old actor was "very, very skinny" when they first met by chance at a Sydney gym in 1989. Ryan now travels the world with Jackman keeping him in shape.

"He just keeps getting better and better over the years," Ryan has said.

"We've got a bet to see if we can both get to 50 and still have a six-pack."

Ryan says crack-of-dawn 90-minute workout sessions work best for the hunky father of two.

"We have a philosophy of training first thing in the morning," Ryan said.

Research suggests that people who train in the afternoons consistently do workouts of far less intensity than those who do train in the morning.

"When Hugh has a 6am filming start, that means we'll be in the gym by 4am," Ryan added.

The new film goes into production at Fox Studios next week and Hollywood hot property Jessica Biel is expected to arrive in Sydney shortly to join Jackman to play the evil villainess Viper.

[jo]

Nice artwork - not necessarily for The Wolverine.

As published on his Facebook --



There must be a lot of Wolverine fans out there

Jo

[girlfromrio]

So glad to hear that Hiroyuki Sanada will be in "The Wolverine"! He's mostly known in the US for a couple of tv roles, on "Lost" and "Revenge", where all he really had to do was be a bada$$. But he showed his charming side in "The City of Your Final Destination" (not a great movie, despite Laura Linney and Anthony Hopkins in the cast.) And he's amazing and heartbreaking in "Twilight Samurai" (a terrific movie, and that's "Twilight" as in end-of-an-era, not as in vampires.)

[jo]

LOL - everyone seems to be latching on to the popularity of Wolverine and native son Hugh Jackman when it comes to promoting his/her special or business interest

us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=17e7aaf83fde3b7d17185e6c6&id=f6111d07f2&e=4de4cd65d2

We are extremely proud to be providing meals for Hugh Jackman and the leading actresses in Wolverine while they shoot in Sydney. It is an absolute honour to know Eat Fit Food is the first point of call for Hollywood stars to get themselves lean and fit for their roles.

Well, so long as it promotes healthy eating


Jo

[eugenia]

[perry]

TOWEL SHOTS! YAY!

Also, Jessica Biel? Ugh. Viper needs to be a worthy foil, not a piece of eye candy positioned for her spinoff. I would love to see Kate Blanchett or Tilda Swinton take on a morally complex comic villainess, (and take on Jackman!) but it ain't gonna happen. Meanwhile, I'm guessing BIel IS a done deal. TOo damaging to all parties for it to leak and then not happen, and she will be a popular choice with the fan boys.

But ugh.

[njr]

Eugenia,
Regarding those beach photos, HOLY FREAKIN' MOLEY!!!! :o

*THUD*

Many thanks,
Nancy ;D

[smallscotsbear]

Hugh just phoned in to his mate's (Gus) breakfast radio show! He sounded sooooooo happy to be home! And was kidding around about Gus giving him workout tips and the 'footy' (rugby)! Hopefully they'll put it on the podcast!

[jo]

Thanks for the tip -- what is Gus's show again? Triple-M ( Grill Team) - isn't it? Will watch out -- I bet Gus would not be able to keep the conversation not posted for posterity on a podcast ;D

Jo

[jo]

Here's the Podcast ( # 617) -- Hugh segment at around a third of the podcast ( he is the 4th interviewee) --

www.triplem.com.au/sydney/shows/grill-team

Accent in full force ;D


Jo

[mamaleh]

Jul 17, 2012 7:16:16 GMT -5 eugenia said:

Much as I love those gorgeous pix, I couldn't help but giggle at the first one. Considering his expression and stance, the most appropriate caption might be "Ex(Lax)ercising on the Beach."

Ellen

[birchie]

Just read this: www.theleader.com.au/news/local/news/entertainment/hollywood-and-hugh-jackman-at-kurnell/2625607.aspx I haven't read the Japan sagas so don't know if WWII is in it. I thought maybe the scene might be a kind of flashback. Only filming for 2 days so it must be 1 or 2 short scenes.

[JH4HJ]

Jul 17, 2012 7:46:10 GMT -5 perry said:

Jessica Biel? Ugh. Viper needs to be a worthy foil, not a piece of eye candy positioned for her spinoff. I would love to see Kate Blanchett or Tilda Swinton take on a morally complex comic villainess, (and take on Jackman!)

perry --

That was quick! Less than week after Jessica Biel had apparently signed on to play the villaness Viper in James Mangold's upcoming "The Wolverine" starring Hugh Jackman, the guys over at Collider are now reporting that "talks have broken down between Biel and 20th Century Fox" with the studio now moving on and "talking to other actresses."

Full article:
blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/negotiations-break-down-jessica-biel-no-longer-apart-of-james-mangolds-the-wolverine-20120718#.UAc4fqNQDyp

[jo]

One of the trade papers, The Hollywood Reporter, has reported that Jessica Biel may have gotten cold feet ?

www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/jessica-biel-wolverine-351201

Jessica Biel Exits 'Wolverine' Movie

Sources say actress gets cold feet over chance to play Marvel super-villain Viper.

1:12 PM PDT 7/18/2012 by Tatiana Siegel

Jessica Biel's stint as Viper was short-lived.


The Total Recall actress was in talks Friday afternoon with 20th Century Fox to play the sexy villain in The Wolverine. But by late Friday night, Biel passed. Sources say she got cold feet.

A similar turn of events happened in 2007 when Biel was in talks with Warner Bros. to play Wonder Woman in a Justice League of America movie...

Jo

[jo]

www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/jessica-biel-pulls-out-of-hugh-jackmans-the-wolverine-with-filming-to-begin-in-sydney-next-week/story-e6frewz0-1226430390792

Jessica Biel pulls out of Hugh Jackman's The Wolverine with filming to begin in Sydney next week

Staff Writer
The Daily Telegraph
July 19, 201210:00PM

HUGH Jackman is yet to find his female lead for the upcoming sequel to X-Men Origins: Wolverine - despite filming due to begin at Sydney's Fox Studios next week.

Jessica Biel, who is starring in the remake Total Recall, reportedly turned down the role after all but agreeing to play Viper in the Marvel franchise flick, according to US reports.

However, talks with director James Mangold are said to have dissolved recently, leaving Biel out and the role unfilled.

The setback comes just one week out from the start of filming and a few days out from an official press conference slated for Tuesday where Jackman and Prime Minister Julia Gillard will herald the beginning of shooting on the $80 million blockbuster.

Obviously the director would like to fill that role as soon as possible given the film starts shooting in a week," said a source close to the flick.

"At this stage they're very close to a deal with a new actress."

It's understood a non-American actress - with a slightly lower profile than Biel - is now the frontrunner, raising the possibility a local actress will fill the role.

Biel's exit from the project came as somewhat of a surprise to those surrounding the project, with Justin Timberlake's fiance widely tipped as a certainty for the physical part.

Asked recently at the annual Comic-Con event in San Diego if she had signed on for the flick, Biel said: "That's not totally true. It's a little too early to say."

There was a similar turn of events in 2007, when Biel was in lengthy talks with Warner Bros to play the superhero Wonder Woman in a Justice League of America movie...

First, I don't understand why Aussie media is getting the idea that Viper is the female lead in this movie. If the script is at least generally true to the Claremont/Miller graphic novel, her character does not even appear there. If at all, the female lead is that of Mariko, Wolverine's real love who belonged to a powerful Japanese family. In the past, Aussie media seemed prone to exaggeration or not very good research efforts.

Unless some people at Fox simply wanted some eye-candy cameo in a role for a Caucasian villain

Is the buzz about an Australian actress quite true or just another Aussie media overactive imaginings?

Hey, Hugh and PM Julia Gillard - in the same press conference!! He does like to mix with Australian Heads of State!

Jo

[jo]

It looks like he is continuing his rigorous gym work, in preparation for filming --






Jo

[perry]

No BIEL! OK, I have nothing against her personally, but that's good news as far as I'm concerned. Thanks for the report!

I do wonder what caused the "cold feet" and whether her management will get a rep for being tough to close. Money? A long commitment to sequels? Certainly she didn't balk at nudity, as Wolverine will be looking for a mild rating, broad audience.

Great opportunity for someone new, though.

[jo]

Possible casting for Viper?

blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/tinker-tailor-soldier-spy-actress-svetlana-khodchenkova-in-talks-for-viper-in-the-wolverine-20120719

'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' Actress Svetlana Khodchenkova In Talks For Viper In 'The Wolverine'

News . by Kevin Jagernauth | July 19, 2012 3:45 PM
2 Comments

Well, that didn't take long. In a week that saw Jessica Biel land and then abandon the role of Viper in "The Wolverine," it looks like a replacement has been found, although it's a name that's going to need a bit more room on the poster.

Twitch reports that Russian actress Svetlana Khodchenkova is now in talks to play Viper in James Mangold's film, with the deal for her role expected to close quickly. She's probably best known for her part in last year's "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" as the mysterious and enigmatic Irina. Khodchenkova joins Hugh Jackman in the Japanese-strong cast that includes Hiroyuki Sanada as gang boss Shingen, Tao Okamoto as his daughter Mariko, Rila Fukushima as assassin Yukio, Hal Yamanouchi as gangster Yashida, Will Yun Lee as villain Silver Samurai and Brian Tee as a corrupt politician.

Originally a Captain America antagonist before becoming the presumed lover of Silver Samurai, Viper has no real powers but is best known for her athletic ability and skills in martial arts as a swordswoman and a markswoman. She first comes across Wolverine when thwarted by the clawed anti-hero in trying to poison gang boss daughter Mariko but, in later comics, she became more ambivalent, blackmailing Wolverine into marrying her, and developing real feelings for him.

Considering that we really haven't seen Khodchenkova in anything but 'Tinker Tailor,' we have no idea if she's right or wrong for the role, other than matching the character's Eastern European background. But she did impress in Tomas Alfredson's film, so she'll be bringing some strong acting chops here. Production gets underway next month and the film hits theaters on July 26, 2013.

Please check the link for her photo.

Jo

[jo]

Here's another photo of Svetlana ( lol - I watch women's tennis - hence the name comes easily to my typing fingers - although Khodchenkova is a bit of a spelling concern)



Also, found this YouTube clip of an interview --

www.youtube.com/watch?v=41TAulphsDY

Looks beautiful and sounds great - even if she is speaking Russian here!

Jo

[jo]

Just wondering --

Other than authenticity of ethnic backgrounds for the characters ( Asian, Eastern European) and acting credentials, of course -- can Fox be courting the huge overseas markets for the distribution of these films, via casting ??

*Japan and South Korea are huge markets, not just for action films ( XMEN, Real Steel) but also for movie musicals. There is also the potential of the huge China market ( if they allow the showing of the movie - they still have restrictions on the number of foreign films for showing there)

*Russia is supposed to be one the largest growing overseas markets - check out Real Steel.

Jo

[girlfromrio]

Quote from Jo--

*Japan and South Korea are huge markets, not just for action films ( XMEN, Real Steel) but also for movie musicals.

Jo, are you suggesting we'll finally get "Wolverine The Musical"?

[jo]

Yup, once they have composed the special music for the sound of the snikt and the snakt ;D


Jo