The Wolverine Panel [Comic-Con 2013]
20th Century Fox tried to make their panel a surprise of sorts (more on this in their next panel), but it didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out Hugh Jackman and company would be in San Diego to promote next weekend’s The Wolverine. Sure enough, Jackman and director James Mangold (3:10 to Yuma) showed more footage and talked up their new film in a short panel Saturday night.
The clip was shown twice in a row and presented in 3D for the 6,500+ in Hall H. It was basically a sizzle reel with a lot of action and fighting without a whole lot of plot. It was totally fine with the audience, though, because some of the stuff looked really cool.
In a way it went along with what Jackman revealed about his character later. He felt like this film was the first time he could truly use “berserker rage.” I’ve seen some anger come from Wolverine in the past, so it’ll be interesting to see how it all works out.
The Wolverine also promises to be a fresh take on both the franchise and the genre. Both Mangold and Jackman brought it up, so I’m taking their word for it now. Also according to Jackman, this story is based on the comic arc he most wanted brought to screen.
The last visual notes are aesthetic things. It appears Wolverine’s claws are retooled in a way. Instead of cutting in one direction, the claws are designed cut in multiple directions (shown in the sizzle reel). Secondly, his hair is just a bit different, but that’s nothing huge at all.
The real X-Men news came later in 20th Century Fox’s slot, but The Wolverine was a friendly reminder that Wolverine will be appearing in his 6th film already. History has shown this series to be a winner, so I’m hoping it continues next Friday.
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Director: James Mangold
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Hiroyuki Sanada, Rila Fukushima
Release Date: July 26
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