Yes, you read that correctly: Darren Aronofsky is in talks to direct Wolverine 2. Mostly those are talks with Hugh Jackman, who has a big say in the director for the franchise's spin-off sequel.

Aronofsky, who's currently riding a wave of Black Swan buzz, is in competition with David Slade for the job. Slade seems to be the favourite, on paper at least, having just come off Twilight's Eclipse - he's capable of handling effects and a budget as well as he did male castration in Hard Candy.

Jackman, though, likes the idea of Aronofsky at the helm. The pair formed a good relationship when Jackman stepped in for Brad Pitt on Aronofsky's fascinating (if rubbish) epic, The Fountain. If Jackman can whip old the old Logan charm, Wolverine may well have one hell of a helmer on its hands.

Fox, meanwhile, are also trying to lock down a director for their other X-Men spin-off, Deadpool. They've been circling the project with Robert Rodriguez for weeks now, but thanks to Machete's promotional tour and the upcoming Spy Kids 4, Robert's getting a little busy. And even though Reynolds just signed on to do Safe House, Fox are keen on squeezing in The Merc with a Mouth as soon as possible. Watch this space...