Although I’m highly anticipating Darren Aronofsky‘s first foray into the superhero genre, many are decidedly mixed. The question of why he would choose a project like this won’t officially be answered until we are in the theater. But it is happening, he will officially direct Hugh Jackman in the sequel to the 2009 blockbuster trash X-Men Origins: Wolverine and he is bringing his favorite cinematographer with him.
Drew at HitFix talked with Matthew Libatique, who has worked on all of Aronofsky’s films outside of The Wrestler. He is also a Spike Lee favorite, working on Inside Man, Miracle at St. Anna, and She Hate Me. Coming off Black Swan, he will reunite with Aronofsky for Wolverine 2. Unlike Aronofsky, Libatique has solid superhero experience, working on Iron Man 2 and Jon Favreau‘s next feature Cowboys & Aliens.
Pajiba got their hands on some story details for Wolverine 2, written by Christopher McQuarrie (The Usual Suspects, The Tourist):
Logan: After getting into trouble in his native Canada, Zen, Japanese man, arranges for Logan’s release and offers to answer questions about his origin if he’ll accompany him to Tokyo.
Zen: He finds Logan in jail in Canada and makes him an offer he can’t refuse – to come to Japan and learn about his origin.
Shingen: His late father was the Master of the Hand, but rather than allow Shingen to take on the role, he killed himself and left the Hand master-less, hoping that they would choose Logan as their new Master.
Kenuichio/Samurai: He’s the illegitimate son of Shingen, but Shingen refuses to acknowledge him as an heir. He’s also an expert Samurai, and he attacks Logan several times as a “Silver Samurai” with electrified armor.
Mariko: Shingen’s daughter. Shingen has arranged her marriage to the corrupt Noburo, but when Logan saves her life, they fall for one another.
Noburo Moro: Minister of Justice. He’s corrupt – in the back pocket of the Yakuza – and Shingen’s arranged for him to marry Mariko.
Viper: Noburo’s secretary. She’s in league with both Shingen and Kenuichio, her lover, but she’s ultimately more loyal to Shingen.
Yukio: Logan’s bodyguard. They have an immediate physical attraction. She’s also still partially loyal to Shingen and reports back to him, but she’s more loyal to Logan, who she considers her master.
Frank Sinatra: Japan’s answer to Frank Sinatra. A Yakuza higher-up who provides Logan with information.
Wolverine 2 is shooting in NYC and Japan next spring.
Does Libatique’s involvement make your blades more excited?
bonus: Pre-order Clint Mansell‘s Black Swan soundtrack here. Check out the nationwide roll-out schedule and attend FREE Black Swan screenings here.