Hugh Jackman attends the MPTF 95th anniversary celebration with 'Hollywood's Night Under The Stars' held on October 1, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo : Getty Images/Frazer Harrison)
New Marvel characters and villains are set to be introduced in the third "Wolverine" film, "Logan." Cast member Hugh Jackman even shared an on-set photo that hinted of the potential site for Wolverine's first meeting with the mutant X-23.
"Logan" is set to depict an older Wolverine whose healing powers have diminished over time. The upcoming installment to the said film's franchise will introduce moviegoers to several new Marvel characters such as a young mutant girl named Laura, a villainous security head and a mad scientist.
The young actress Sienna Novikov is set to portray Laura, according to The Wrap. The said publication's sources also confirmed that Laura is the young mutant known in the Marvel comic books as X-23.
X-23 and Wolverine share similar capabilities such as heightened senses, quick reflexes, superhuman strength and fast healing abilities. However, the young mutant only has two retractable adamantium claws as compared to Logan's three.
Apart from Laura, the upcoming film will introduce the security head for the global corporation Transigen Donald Pierce, as well as the mad scientist Dr. Zander Rice. Previous reports have confirmed Boyd Holbrook's casting as the villainous Donald, while Richard E. Grant is set to portray Dr. Rice.
"Logan" may also include a cameo appearance of the mutant Mr. Sinister, as indicated in the same report. However, the said villain may likely appear in the upcoming film's post-credit scene.
In other news, Jackman recently took to Twitter to share an on-set photo of a smelting plant. In the picture, what appears to be a large water tank lay on its side on a dusty and deserted area.
Smelting plant. LOGAN pic.twitter.com/GyR6xuhK8d
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) October 11, 2016
The actor's social media post sparked speculations that the smelting plant scene may be the site of Wolverine and X-23's first meeting. However, other fans indicated that it may also serve as a backdrop for one of the scenes in the upcoming film.
Meanwhile, moviegoers will also see "X-Men" alum Patrick Stewart reprise his role as Professor Charles Xavier in the upcoming "Wolverine" 3 movie. The British star appeared in earlier installments of the "X-Men" movie franchise, although "Logan" may mark his last time to play the said mutant role.
In an earlier interview with ITV, Stewart speculated of his future participation in upcoming "X-Men" related films. "I would imagine this is probably the end of this franchise for me," the actor stated, referring to the third "Wolverine" movie.
"Logan" is expected to hit movie theaters on March 3, 2017. Watch some of the scenes from "Wolverine" 2 below:
