Can ‘The Wolverine’ Revive the X-Men Franchise?

Marvel puts its hopes in its most popular character as ‘The Wolverine’ looks to boost the X-Men profile.

Since the first X-Men movie in 2000, the long-running Marvel series has been a regular on-screen presence. As comic-based films have risen in popularity over that time — think Iron Man, The Avengers, the Dark Knight trilogy, Superman Returns and Man of Steel — the X-Men have gone from landmark cinematic event to, well… less than that.

In 2006, the lackluster X-Men: The Last Stand completed the original trilogy with some nifty obliteration special effects, but in a form that was almost universally regarded as less thrilling than the two prior installments. Three years later, X-Men Origins: Wolverine seemed like it was geared toward starting a character-based franchise with limitless potential, but the movie leaked online three months before it was supposed to hit theaters and, having to scramble to finish it, the studio ultimately put out a lackluster product. It tanked.

A departure came in 2011’s prequel, X-Men: First Class, and a sequel is in the works to that for next year, but in the meantime, Marvel is going back to give it another shot at the original timeline with The Wolverine.

Hugh Jackman returns in the title role as the troubled, reluctant anti-hero, and our dear Wolvie heads off to Japan this time, so you know there’s some good Claw vs. Katana action coming up.

We’ll see if The Wolverine can pull Marvel’s most revered franchise — don’t get me wrong, The Avengers are great, but there’s a reason X-Men came first — out of its troubled waters. Judging from the trailer, it looks like a winner.

Do you think they’ll make Wolverine mortal???

The Wolverine Trailer