Writer found for WOLVERINE movie

Snikt! for David Benoiff

By Patrick Sauriol     October 05, 2004
Source: Variety

After being talked about as a likely possibility for the past four years, the first concrete development towards making a WOLVERINE movie a reality has happened: 20th Century Fox has hired screenwriter David Benioff to pen a script based on the loner X-Man with the mutant healing factor and adamantium claws.

Before you consider that the Wolvie movie is a done deal, remember that Fox hasn't inked a contract with star Hugh Jackman just yet -- although it's likely Jackman will be back to play the character for a third time. Since it's a stand alone picture separate from the X-MEN film franchise, that means Fox won't have to cut checks for a dozen lead actors this time around. Right now the studio's biggest cost would be getting Jackman to commit to star in the picture, and his price in a post-VAN HELSING Hollywood will likely be in the eight figure range with maybe some profit participation thrown in. The real challenge for Fox will be to see if they can sign Jackman to a multi-picture deal similar to the one Pierce Brosnan signed to play MGM's James Bond, opening the door for Jackman to star in WOLVERINE sequels and maybe even third and fourth X-MEN flicks.

Talks are also underway for X-MEN producers Lauren Shuler Donner and Avi Arad to be involved with the WOLVERINE film, but it doesn't seem a door is likely to be opened for Bryan Singer or Tom DeSanto.

Benoiff's last produced credit was Wolfgang Petersen's TROY which took in $133 million dollars domestically. His other credits include the script for STAY, a thriller in post-production, and THE 25TH HOUR for director Spike Lee.


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