The geekworld is buzzing with rumors about James Mangold’s Wolverine 3. They’ve kept a tight lid on this production for the most part, but one thing we do know is that Hugh Jackman will be reprising his role as Wolverine for the last time. Fresh off his cameo in X-Men: Apocalypse, Jackman’s Instagram feed showed the Aussie actor pumping his guns in preparation for his final appearance as Weapon X, but we also noticed some flecks of grey appearing in those signature mutton chops. New on-set photos released Tuesday now show Jackman sporting a full-on salt and pepper grizzly beard, giving renewed vigor to the rumors that Wolverine 3, which has yet to release an official title, will be based on Mark Millar/Steve McNiven’s graphic novel Old Man Logan.

Hugh Jackman Set Photo 01

Hugh Jackman Set Photo 05

Hugh Jackman Set Photo 02

For those who don’t know, Old Man Logan is set in a western-style dystopian future where supervillains have banded together to destroy the heroes and succeeded in conquering the United States, which has been divided into territories each ruled by their own villain. Logan, whose mutant powers have begun to deteriorate, has aged considerably and lives with his wife Maureen and their young children. With the few heroes left forced into hiding and a family to provide for, Logan doesn’t stick his neck out for anyone anymore. That is, until an old friend comes knocking at his door with the offer of a paying job.

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The comic is particularly violent and graphic in nature, so this fits with the film’s R-rated status. Also producer Simon Kinberg’s assertion that Wolverine 3 is set in the future and will have a bit of a western feel has all but confirmed the Old Man Logan story arc for many fans.

“It’s a very radical, bold, different Wolverine than you’ve ever seen in any of these movies… It takes place in the future, and as you and others have reported, it is an R-rated movie. It’s violent, it’s kind of like a western in its tone.”

It will likely divert from the original storyline, as most Marvel adaptation tend to do, which is great news for some of the fan theories flying around that aren’t part of the Old Man Logan story. These include the possible appearance of Reavers (maybe even Lady Deathstrike if they are from the Messiah Complex era) and Laura Kinney, otherwise known as X-23, Logan’s clone ‘daughter’ first introduced in the animated series X-Men: Evolution. The post-credit scene from X-Men: Apocalypse certainly hints at X-23 being a part of franchise, as it shows a group of suited men seemingly working for Nathanial Essex (Mister Sinister) stealing a vial of Wolverine’s blood from the Weapon X facility.

The film has a 127 million dollar budget and features a great cast including Patrick Stewart, Boyd Holbrook, Richard E. Grant and Eriq La Salle. Fans have already cast Elizabeth Rodriguez, who has a minor role in the film, as a possible Maureen Logan. Whatever rumors are brought to light in Wolverine 3, it is sure to be a blockbuster farewell for the gruff, but lovable, Canadian mutant.

Wolverine 3 hits theaters on March 3, 2017.

Stephanie Pouliotte
stephpouliotte@gmail.com
Comics junkie. Internet lurker. Fantastic beast. I spend most of my time immersed in strange and fantastical stories, be it through books, comics, video games, movies or TV shows. Oh and I sometimes writes things down and stuff.

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