The sequel to the X-Men Origins: Wolverine has long been in development.  The original was hardly accepted as a banner film by audiences and critics alike, but it was still able to eke out a $85+ million opening and a $350 million worldwide gross. 

A follow-up has been plagued by exiting directors, script rewrites and a tsunami and fans all but gave up hope that the ever aging Hugh Jackman would don the adamantium claws one more time.

Then news broke a few months ago that a script has been approved.  That a director (James Mangold) has been signed.   And that a release date (July 6th, 2013) has been set. 

Now, we even have casting news!  Comingsoon.net/SuperHeroHype is reporting that Fox has casted real Japanese actors in key roles.  Comingsoon reports: “Hiroyuki Sanada ("Lost," Rush Hour 3, The Last Samurai) is set to play Shingen; veteran actor Hal Yamanouchi (The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Push, Sinbad of the Seven Seas) plays Yashida; and new discoveries Tao Okamoto and Rila Fukushima will star as Mariko and Yukio, respectively.”

To be honest, we had to look up each of the above names.  But we are appreciative of the idea of casting real Japanese actors in a story inspired by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller’s book arc that takes place in Japan.  Meryl Streep need not apply.

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