Wolverine 3

[jo]

Have they started filming yet? Or soon? Where did he catch his big fish? Around New Orleans? His facial hair has not yet been styled for the Wolverine look - so, maybe he is still in pre-prod right before filming starts?


Jo

[jo]

More casting news - according to Empire:

www.empireonline.com/people/hugh-jackman/richard-e-grant-joins-new-wolverine/

Richard E. Grant joins the new Wolverine





You might think that Hugh Jackman's Logan – the man better known to the world as Wolverine – would have enough trouble now that Boyd Holbrook has been cast as a big nemesis for the third stand-alone mutant outing. But no! Now he'll also have to deal with Richard E. Grant's nefarious string-puller.

Given that he's playing a mysterious mad scientist type in the film, we wouldn't expect him to be exactly going head-to-head (or fist-to-claw) with Logan, unless he builds some sort of hulking robot suit. But that would, of course, be ridiculous. So since Holbrook's heavy is described as the driven, demanding and lethally smart head of security for a global company, we can assume Grant might just fit in there somehow.

The plot, at least for now, remains a secret, with rumours that it'll be drawn from stories set in the hero's later years. The Wolverine's James Mangold is back in the director's chair, and we can expect Patrick Stewart to show up as the older version of Professor Charles Xavier. Mangold's cameras are scheduled to roll soon and the film itself is arriving here on March 2, 2017.

The exclusive report was first reported by THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER --

www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/wolverine-3-finds-mad-scientist-888038

April 26, 2016 5:41pm PT by Borys Kit

'Wolverine 3' Finds Its Mad Scientist (Exclusive)
'Jekyll & Hyde's' Richard E. Grant joins the franchise.




British actor Richard E. Grant is joining Hugh Jackman in Wolverine 3.

The movie is heading towards a May start with Patrick Stewart, who will play X-Men leader Professor X, and Boyd Holbrook, who is set to play Jackman’s nemesis.

Plot details are being kept under wraps, but it is known that Grant will play a villainous mad-scientist type.

James Mangold is directing the project, which is being produced by Lauren Shuler Donner and Hutch Parker.

Grant is a well-known face on the British acting scene, most recently playing a key role in a Jekyll & Hyde TV series. He also co-starred in Dig, the thriller co-created by Tim Kring that aired on USA. Other recent appearances include Doctor Who and HBO’s Girls.

[jo]

Cinemablend thinks Richard Grant is a strong casting choice. They further speculate on which role he might play in this last Jackman/Wolverine movie story --

www.cinemablend.com/new/Wolverine-3-Casts-British-Great-Its-Mad-Scientist-127367.html

[jo]

Hugh and the staff were probably watching the Jimmy Fallon Show, while he was being fitted for makeup and hairstyle for WOLVERINE 3 --

In reply to Fallon Tonight


Hugh Jackman ‏@realhughjackman · 5h5 hours ago

Hugh Jackman Retweeted Fallon Tonight

LITERALLY everyone in the makeup is hysterical laughing! Check it: @fallontonight @rickygervais @ericbana67

Somehow, he manages to look slightly different in each of the XMEN movies ( best look for me was ORIGINS:WOLVERINE).

Btw, re the Bana impersonation on the Fallon show -- I read somewhere that Eric used to do stand-up comedy and was a comedian on an Australian TV series before he turned to acting.


Jo

[jo]

Many speculations arise after the surprise appearance of the three claws on a bloodied hand in the APOCALYPSE final trailer, especially after Bryan Singer added his clarifications or actually deepened the enigma.

But this speculation seemed to be quite in the opposite direction --

www.digitalspy.com/movies/x-men/news/a792161/wolverines-x-men-apocalypse-cameo-new-direction-bryan-singer/


It didn't seem that Bryan meant to imply that there will be a change in the direction for the character of Logan/Wolverine. That would tie the hands of WOLVERINE 3, which is literally starting filming now...unless James Mangold and the screenwriter and Hugh, of course, of WOLVERINE 3 have had deep discussions with Bryan Singer to let Singer know what the third spinoff movie has in store for Wolverine. It seems though that Bryan may be referring more to the direction of the franchise ( specifically to the 6 films in the XMen team movies franchise that he alluded to). There was a more recent rumor that Bryan might do a final project for the franchise and that filming in Montreal might be slated in the near future -- but it is still just a rumor. But he might be setting up the direction of that last effort with this sequence in APOCALYPSE involving Wolverine!


Unless he wanted to completely erase memories of ORIGINS and THE WOLVERINE?!! But why would he want to do that??!! It is doubtful that he would want to fold in all interpretations of XMEN characters who get spinoffs ( Wolverine, Deadpool, and maybe Gambit)?

Jo

[jo]

This site tries to think through all the possible implications or actually speculations re the appearance of the Clawed Hand in APOCALYPSE --

whatculture.com/film-tv/10-theories-how-wolverine-can-fit-into-xmen-apocalypse


Interesting that one of the speculations is that Singer wants to basically re-draw XMEN LAST STAND and ORIGINS:WOLVERINE! Hey, what will you do with the $ 833 Million that the two films put into the FOX coffers?


Looking back -- I doubt that Bryan Singer ever thought that when he accepted the filmization job of the first XMEN movie in 1999, that 17 years later, he would still be going back to the drawing board to remap the strategy of how the XMEN team have become the first credible superheroes on screen

[jo]

More casting news --

deadline.com/2016/04/stephen-merchant-wolverine-3-hugh-jackman-x-men-1201745268/

Stephen Merchant To Star With Hugh Jackman In ‘Wolverine 3’


phipes


by Patrick Hipes

April 27, 2016 4:33pm


EXCLUSIVE: The Office co-creator Stephen Merchant has joined the cast of 20th Century Fox’s Wolverine 3, the latest in the Hugh Jackman-starring X-Men stand-alone franchise. Jackman has said this will be his last go-round as the character he began playing 17 years ago.

No word on Merchant’s role, but Richard E Grant also has closed a deal to join the cast that already includes franchise staple Patrick Stewart and Narcos‘ Boyd Holbrook as the main villain. More names are in the works.

David James Kelly is penning Wolverine 3 from a treatment by director James Mangold, who helmed 2013’s The Wolverine. Lauren Shuler Donner is producing. A March 3 release date has been staked out.


Merchant is a longtime collaborator with Ricky Gervais, co-creating the original The Office with him as well as The Ricky Gervais Show and Life’s Too Short. He also created and starred in the comedy series Hello Ladies, which ran on HBO for one season in 2013.

He’s repped by WME, United Agents and Nelson Davis Llp.

[jo]

Cinemablend thinks the hiring of Stephen Merchant in whatever capacity is a good bet --

www.cinemablend.com/new/Wolverine-3-Adds-An-Unexpected-Comedy-Star-127527.html

[mamaleh]

Hugh's friends with Ricky Gervais, isn't he? Merchant has long worked with Gervais. Maybe the idea for Merchant's casting thusly sprang?

Ellen

[jo]

The choices are beginning to look very interesting! And if you can speculate on the roles they might play -- definitely interesting!

*What will be the theme of this movie, especially that it is Hugh's farewell stint as Wolverine?

*Are they taking some leads from DEADPOOL, not just for its R rating for violence but also for a bit of naughtiness?

*The characters as described so far are " main villain", "mad scientist" and presumably " the comic relief". Heavens!

*What a change from the age brackets of the mutants from APOCALYPSE


*Some still speculate that there will be similarities to OLD MAN LOGAN ( which seemed very odd per se to me, if they use the uber-fantasies and strange characters for a film adaptation). But fans note possible similarities -- esp re the flight of certain characters because they were being pursued ( the news from Juarez, Mexico that filming in an old factory which will be used to hide the fugitives seems to validate that).


*And there have been broad hints about the appearance of X-23, the female clone of Wolverine ( although there is also the rumor that she is his daughter).

*And I am really anxious to see the WOLVERINE look for this movie since it implies a time into the future!



The fanboys are stumped trying to guess what this is all about ( " At least with THE WOLVERINE, we knew about Yukio, Mariko, and Silver Samurai and where it happens ")


Jo

[jo]

Hey, another coincidence -- except for Boyd Holbrook, so far the announced cast carry British passports including our favorite Aussie who says he also uses his UK passport ** when entering the UK

Patrick Stewart
Richard Grant
Stephen Merchant
Hugh Jackman**

If Ricky Gervais joins the cast even in a small capacity -- this is going to turn everything upside down

[jo]

It looks like Hugh is in New Orleans now ( where the first phase of filming for WOLVERINE 3 is slated). And Deb joined him maybe initially ?

Regina Nata ‏@reginanata10 · 7h7 hours ago

Nothing like Hugh Jackman and his wife watching us dance to Nile Rodgers!!! dancing the night away!

[jo]

collider.com/movie-talk-fox-comic-con-spider-man-marvel/

Breaking news: In an exclusive report from The Wrap, 20th Century Fox will not be showcasing any of their upcoming movie releases in the Hall H presentations at San Diego Comic-Con this year. The studio feels it cannot prevent the piracy of custom trailers and exclusive footage routinely screened for fans in attendance. The studio was reportedly going to show glimpses of Assassins Creed, the Michael Fassbender video game adaptation that wowed exhibitors at this year’s CinemaCon and an early first look at Hugh Jackman‘s Wolverine 3...

Den of Geek takes an unhappy view of the decision --

www.denofgeek.us/movies/san-diego-comic-con/254965/20th-century-fox-pulling-out-of-sdcc-hall-h-this-year

20th Century Fox appears poised to skip Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con this year even with Assassin's Creed and The Wolverine 3 in the wings.


Over the first decade of the 21st century, Hollywood has transformed San Diego Comic-Con from being on the fringe of pop culture to standing in its epicenter. And this is no small part thanks to most major studios with blockbuster movies to market (particularly of the superhero variety) showing up each year to fill the cavernous Hall H with the sounds of hoots and cheers at new footage and celebrity appearances.

Yet for 20th Century Fox, this might be coming to an end (for now). The studio that helped kick start the modern superhero craze with the release of X-Men in 2000 is reportedly not planning to showcase a slate of new movies at Hall H this year. And as reported by The Wrap, this is because, “The studio feels it cannot prevent the piracy of custom trailers and exclusive footage routinely screened for fans in attendance.”

Admittedly, this is probably true to a degree. While industry insiders and exhibitors were treated at CinemaCon to apparently impressive footage from Assassin’s Creed (the movie adaptation of the popular video game franchise that is due out in December with Michael Fassbender in dual starring roles), it never reached the internet. Meanwhile, smartphone-taped leaks occurred last year of 20th Century Fox’s custom trailers for both Deadpool and X-Men: Apocalypse.

However, it should be noted that both of those trailers were likely only viewed online by the most diehard (and supportive) fans. Also, unlike Warner Bros.—who felt pressure to release the SDCC Suicide Squad trailer nearly 13 months before the film’s release in July 2015 due to mass-pirated sharing of the footage—Fox never officially released its Deadpool or X-Men material due to the piracy, and its effect on seeping too early into mainstream media dissipated substantially.

Understandably, it is a shame that audiences and fans in the 21st century cannot be trusted to remain respectful of the exclusivity of such events, yet it is still 2016. Hall H leaks predate even the iPhone, and while the grainy video has gotten better, it is still something that does not affect or concern mainstream media and has always been part of the Hall H game since Comic-Con became a must-go destination spot for studios in the early 2000s.

And with Fox having major films on the calendar for the rest of 2016 and into 2017, including Assassin’s Creed and March 2017’s The Wolverine 3, it would be a shame if the studio actually didn’t have either present at the biggest pop culture (and geek culture) event of the year. Especially if it could mark Hugh Jackman’s final bow to this clearly happily mutated audience.



Jo

[jo]

The original article from THE WRAP --

www.thewrap.com/20th-century-fox-pulls-out-of-comic-con-hall-h-presentation-exclusive/


I wonder if this is a firm decision because the Fox rep declined to comment? Maybe it is under negotiations?

If they do not make a Hall H presentation, there is no chance to exhibit scenes from WOLVERINE 3 after 2016 because the film is being released early next year (March 3, 2017). Hugh did make that farewell-to-Wolverine presentation at 2015 ComicCon.

[jo]

Hugh has hinted about using some ideas from OLD MAN LOGAN for WOLVERINE 3.

A comicbook geek has put together on YouTube the story of OLM based on the comic book series ---





I wonder how much, if any, of the themes and characters in OLM will be adapted for WOLVERINE 3??


Obviously, they will likely do away with references to Marvel characters not belonging to the XMEN franchise ( such as the reference to Spiderman, to Captain America, to Iron Man, to Thor, etc).

And there are characters from fantasy land which may not fit into a cinematic adaptation on the story of Logan ( based on ORIGINS and THE WOLVERINE) - which are unlikely to be featured?

But the hard violence will likely be adapted partly or in full!


But, as we do not know yet what the theme of WOLVERINE 3 would be, we could be completely wrong about the movie being inspired by the story of OLD MAN LOGAN.

Hmmm ... Hugh with white hair ?? Probably still as handsome and as manly!



Jo

[jo]

It looks like Stephen Merchant is trying Blackbeard's hairstyle --

http://instagram.com/p/BEueg2sPfXe

If you check out the OldManLogan video clip, there is a character there which seemed to have inspired Stephen's hair-shedding?


Jo

[jo]

When fanboys or any XMEN fan ( comics or movies) get excited, their imagination can really extend to the wildest fantasies ...or wishlists

www.slashgear.com/5-reasons-wolverine-3-will-kick-rump-with-a-capital-r-rating-28438149/



Hey, they made a similar observation that I have posted earlier -- that the bony structure of Hugh's hand ( left in particular - knuckles, specifically) gives away that it seems to be Hugh's hand that was used for the Wolverine bloodied hand with the three claws in the APOCALYPSE trailer! Snikt


Their comparison --

And yes, we're pretty sure that's Jackman's arm.

Or someone with equally-boney knuckles.

[jo]

This was what I had posted earlier ( on the APOCALYPSE thread) --

Apr 26, 2016 18:55:08 GMT -5 jo said:

A lot of controversy surrounding the owner of this left hand with a set of claws ( partly reinforced by Bryan Singer's enigmatic comments) -- Is it Hugh's or a new actor playing Wolverine?







In real life, notice the same bone protrusion on Hugh's left hand similar to the image from the trailer.







Some have commented that the forearm is too thin ( and not veiny enough...and not muscly enough).

When Hugh is not in Wolverine mode, here is a sample of his long forearms ( they look a bit thin only because his forearm is quite long) --









In this photo, I think you can see a little of the bone protrusion in the left hand, and the long forearm.

[hughmanity]

The facial hair may not yet be Wolverine's,  but the body certainly is!  This was taken at a gym in New Orleans.

http://instagr.am/p/BEzAYVOOQH8

Didn't expect the picture to show up twice, but don't think anyone will complain...

[jo]

Thanks!

If they are basing the story on OldManLogan ( which presumably takes place way into the future) -- was it necessary to show a physique that is more of the current time ( hey, I am trying to save Hugh more grief at the gym ) -- or maybe the 20-50 years piled on did not change too much for the physical attributes of Logan ( except for the greying of the hair)? I guess one reason why fanboys adore Wolverine is because his healing/regenerative powers allow him to be fighting-fit all the time, no matter how he advances in age

I have a feeling that they might actually use a full beard at some point...then maybe trimming it to mutton-chops later?

He has already tweeted being in MAKEUP the other day -- would have been nice if he also shared the final decision


Jo

[jo]

Home for the weekend from pre-prod at New Orleans?

Riding on the company ( FOX) plane? Otherwise, he would likely be taking this photo not from the back of the engines


Jo

[jo]

Principal photography ( aka filming) starts on Monday, May 2, 2016!

myentertainmentworld.com/feature-films/

Posted: June 20, 2015 at 6:50 pm EST

Updated: May 1, 2016 at 3:46 am EST

Title: Wolverine 3 (aka Untitled Wolverine Sequel)
Category: Feature Film
Genre: Action / Drama
Shoot Date: May 2, 2016
Location: New Orleans, LA New Mexico

Jo

[jo]

I am not sure about the particular event, but it seems there was a presentation of FOX'S 2016 slate plus some to a select audience --

www.eurweb.com/2016/04/fox-gives-first-look-at-fierce-films-for-2016/

Fox Gives First Look at Fierce Films for 2016

Apr 30, 16 by Marie Moore Leave a comment



*Twentieth Century Fox showed clips of their upcoming 2016 films and a glimpse into 2017, showcasing “Wolverine Untitled.” We were all first blown away—and I felt like a kid in a candy store—with “X-Men: Apocalypse” and then “Independence Day: Resurgence.”

“X-Men: Apocalypse” raises the ante in the mutant department with this May 27, release. Worshipped as a god, the immortal Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac) becomes the most powerful mutant. Awakening after thousands of years, he recruits the disheartened Magneto (Michael Fassbender) and other mutants to create a new world order. Jennifer Lawrence, James McAvoy, Hugh Jackman, Sophie Turner, Alexandra Shipp.



“Independence Day: Resurgence,” confirms the thoughts in many minds who knew they were coming back. After “Independence Day” redefined the event movie genre, the next epic chapter delivers a global spectacle on an unimaginable scale. Using recovered alien technology, the nations of Earth collaborate on an immense defense program to protect the planet.

But nothing could prepare for the aliens’ advanced and unprecedented force. Only the ingenuity of a few brave men and women can bring the world back from the brink of extinction. Back are Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, and Vivica A. Fox are back. Joining them are Chris Hemsworth and Jesse Usher. June 24


“Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates,” has hard-partying brothers Mike (Adam Devine) and Dave (Zac Efron) placing an online ad to find the perfect dates (Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza) for their sister’s Hawaiian wedding. Hoping for a wild getaway, the boys instead find themselves outsmarted and out-partied by the uncontrollable duo. Sam Richardson and Wendy Williams as herself also appear. July 8

“Ice Age: Collision Course”—Scat’s epic pursuit of the elusive acorn catapults him into the universe where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the Ice Age World. Returning are cast members Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah, Seann William Scott, Josh Peck, Simon Pegg, Keke Palmer, Wanda Sykes, and Jennifer Lopez. Among those joining the herd are Michael Strahan and Neil deGrasse Tyson. July 22

“Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children”— When Jacob discovers clues to a mystery that spans different worlds and times, he finds a magical place known as Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. But the mystery and danger deepen as he gets to know the residents and learns about their special powers—and their powerful enemies. Ultimately, Jacob discovers that only his own special “peculiarity” can save his new friends. Eva Green, Asa Butterfield, Ella Purnell, Allison Janney, Terence Stamp, Rupert Everett, with Judi Dench and Samuel L. Jackson. September 30

And from Fox Searchlight is one of the most anticipated films of the year, “Birth of a Nation.” Nat Turner, a former slave, leads a liberation movement in 1831 to free blacks in Virginia that results in a violent retaliation from whites. Nate Parker stars and directs, Aunjanue Ellis, Gabrielle Union, Armie Hammer, Aja Naomi King. October 16

“Trolls”–stars Anna Kendrick as Poppy, the optimistic leader of the Trolls, and her polar opposite, Branch, played by Justin Timberlake. Together, this unlikely pair of Trolls must embark on an adventure that takes them far beyond the only world they’ve ever known. Quvenzhane Wallis and Glozell Green also star. November 4

“Assassin’s Creed”—Through a revolutionary technology that unlocks his genetic memories, Callum Lynch (Michael Fassbender) experiences the adventures of his ancestor, Aguilar, in 15th Century Spain. Callum discovers he is descended from a mysterious secret society, the Assassins, and amasses incredible knowledge and skills to take on the oppressive and powerful Templar organization. Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Kenneth Williams, Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons, Breendan Gleeson, emerson Nwolie, Cali Nell. December 21

Ending the display of new product, impressive scenes from “Wolverine Untitled” were shown. 2017

Syndicated Entertainment journalist Marie Moore reports on film and TV from her New York City base. Contact her at [e-mail]

Facebook.com/TheFilmStripTM Twitter: @thefilmstrip Instagram.com/thefilmstriptm

It seems they have already filmed some scenes for WOLVERINE UNTITLED for purposes of he presentation ?? It is surprising that no word has leaked on this. At the Cinemacon in Las Vegas early this month, the FOX presentation to theatre exhibitors included only a page showing the title of WOLVERINE UNTITLED, but no scenes were said to have been shown. Hmmm...


Jo

[hughmanity]

An analysis of Fox Studio's Comicon decision


www.flickeringmyth.com/2016/05/fox-and-comic-con-is-pulling-out-the-smart-move/

[jo]

Thanks. I also read that but the analysis by Flickering Myth was not substantive at all. Nothing to indicate that what they said in their feature title is supported by the so-called analysis inside.

Perhaps they should have called attention to the following --

*SDCC is becoming super-expensive for studios. The move by SDCC to charge for pay-per-view will benefit them and not the studios.

*Is SDCC peaking? There are already other conventions all over the place...will Fox have to keep replicating the exclusives given to SDCC?

*Fox was the first major studio that was hurt by online piracy of one of its superhero movies -- remember how ORIGINS:WOLVERINE was leaked even before the film opened. Since then, they have been actively campaigning ( and restrategizing) on how to combat it. Fox Chairman Jim Gianopulos ( who used to head Distribution before he became sole Chairman) is actively at the forefront of the anti-piracy campaign.

*True, the first glimpse of DEADPOOL via SDCC made fanboys sit up and notice -- but it was the free-wheeling, inventive promotional campaign which followed which made the fans curiouser and curiouser and curiouser! Plus they did deliver on a free-wheeling R-rated stuff! But that is because that is the essence of the character of The Merc with a Mouth!

*But most of all -- why spend unnecessarily when the new information age allows FREE advertising via the internet. One does not have to go to SDCC to show the first glimpse of scenes. It can even be shown on entertainment sites as set visits, followed by the release of a first trailer on the internet! Besides there are only around 6,000 who can be contained in Hall H at SDCC. Releasing the first glimpses on mainstream media ( print and TV) and releasing the first trailer online -- that would be the most effective way to initiate and keep fanboy frenzy going!

Why not reallocate the funds to more aggressive advertising on TV and maybe other main media? Why not promote the superhero films with more local premieres and encouraging the stars to promote the movie as widely as they can ( Look at EDDIE THE EAGLE - it is only a small, low-budget film -- yet Hugh must have accumulated so much mileage from all the various trips in the USA and overseas that he can probably now get a free ticket to the moon from his mileage program )

I am sure the decision of FOX was not a whimsical decision of the moment. They are looking at the environment and learning their lessons. One other point, FOX is now under the stewardship of the younger Murdochs, both experienced in media management, and they may be bringing in some welcome winds of change. They will not necessarily cut down costs -- maybe they are opting to spend it better, or even better - create new ways to earn revenue ( the essence of business!)! Maybe even allow them to re-allocate the funds to other worthy projects ?


Jo