In a blow to Fox’s Wolverine sequel top tier director Darren Aronofsky has bowed out of the production. A significant part of the X-Men Origins: Wolverine sequel, which will be called simply The Wolverine, would have been shot overseas, most of it in Japan. In a statement announcing his intention to leave the project Aronofsky said: “It became clear to me that the production of The Wolverine would keep me out of the country for almost a year. I was not comfortable being away from my family for that length of time.”

 

According to Deadline, Aronofsky’s breakup with actress Rachel Weisz and custody issues concerning their son are behind his decision to leave the project, which has nothing to do with the script by Christopher McQuarrie. In his statement Aronofsky expressed his disappointment, “I am sad that I won’t be able to see the project through, as it is a terrific script and I was very much looking forward to working with my friend Hugh Jackman again.”

 

In its statement Fox expressed “understanding and respect” for Aronofsky’s decision. The studio also noted that “Hugh Jackman and Fox both remain fully committed to making The Wolverine. We will regroup and move forward aggressively.” 

 

The project has not yet officially been greenlit, but the start of filming had already been postponed from this spring due to Jackman’s promotional schedule for Real Steel and the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.