20th Century Fox has set a May 1, 2009 release date for Hugh Jackman starrer X-Men Origins: Wolverine, which director Gavin Hood (Rendition, Tsotsi) begins shooting later this year. David Benioff wrote the script.

“Wolverine” is expected to feature many other mutants — some new to the film franchise and some from one or more of the three “X-Men” films. Liev Schreiber is reportedly in final talks to take on the role of a younger version of nemesis William Stryker, played by Brian Cox in X2.

As of now, the only other film staking out the May 1, 2009, date is Disney’s animated film G-Force.

The film explores the claw-wielding character Wolverine’s violent and romantic past, and his complex relationship with Victor Creed and the ominous Weapon X program, as well as his encounters with other mutants.

Hood will start shooting in Australia before moving to New Zealand and, later, to New Orleans.

Producing are Lauren Shuler Donner and Ralph Winter, producers of the “X-Men” movies, along with Jackman and producing partner John Palermo through their Seed Productions. Marvel’s Kevin Feige will executive produce.

Source

I love the X-Men movies, and Hugh Jackman’s hot.  ‘nough said.

Hollywood star Hugh Jackman has an odd way of preparing for teary film scenes - he tugs at his own pubic hair. The upbeat actor admits he struggles to conjure up tears on cue for movies but has started taking fellow Australian Geoffrey Rush’s advice and inflicting pain on himself just before a director calls, `Action!’ The X-Men tough guy reveals he used this odd technique to conjure up floods of tears for one scene in new movie The Fountain. He explains, “I remembered a great story from Geoffrey Rush, who had to cry in a scene in a play, so he was experimenting with different ways. Finally, near the end, just before he’d walk out on stage, he used to pluck out a couple of nose hairs and he’d get that first moment of a tear and then he’d go on and start crying. It’s very technical and it works! Try it at home. Pubes work even better!”

Source

WOW - WAY too much information.