In watching The Wolverine, it was apparent that despite its flaws, it was still a really good adaption of the Japan storyline, and I have been thinking with a sequel announced, it only makes sense that Mangold and the screenwriters will look at certain series or story lines for ideas.
One of my favorite Wolverine story lines is, Old Man Logan. If you're unfamiliar with the basic premise, in a world where the bad guys have won; Logan lives with a tragedy that he had a hand in. He refuses to brandish his claws, and avoids violence all together. However, when Hawkeye approaches him for a job he hesitantly assists the archer in his job and eventually uncovers the truth behind the tragedy.
NO OTHER OPTIONS
Unfourtanetely, most of the X-Men or Wolverine movies have used most of Wolverine's stories that arguably count. Origins was the worst offender for this, essentially making many of Wolverine's early adventures un-adaptable.
Looking at my Comixology account, I realized there isn't many other ways you can take the character, outside of a few unused villains (i.e. Omega Red) and a few unused stories (i.e. Logan, Enemy of the State) but none really make sense in the grand scheme of things. More Japan would not be the worst thing in the world, but do they really want to re-tread on the first movies ideas?
In my eyes, this leaves Old Man Logan; and while being one of the last great Wolverine stories may be considered a bad thing, in this case I think it means this story may get even more attention then it already deserved.
MANGOLD'S HISTORY
Mangold as a director was actually a bit of an odd choice for me when he was first announced as Director for The Wolverine. Not to say I doubted him, but I knew of him from 3:10 to Yuma, and Walk the Line. The latter not being a Western, but it had a very Western feel.
If you're Mangold, and you enjoy the idea of doing a Western, then doing a Superhero Western would be close to a dream come true. He'd be able to bring his tricks and sensibilities to the film while still making a marketable box office hit.
MILLAR'S CONNECTION
It's also not too surprising that Mark Millar is a consultant at Fox with their properties, and it can't be a coincidence that he's also the writer for Old Man Logan.
What would be better for a writer of a comic to choose a Director he likes to adapt his story, and while Mangold was a good choice for The Wolverine, he could also have been lined up for a sequel. If this is the case, then Millar may help bring his own story to life.
A 'FUN' OFFSHOOT
With so many CBM's these days bulding a shared universe, and trying to bridge everything together, I'd argue it'd also be a lot of fun to just watch a standalone movie. That's why I enjoyed The Wolverine so much, aside from the post-credits stinger, and Jean Grey appearing -- the movie was it's own thing.
I think there's room in the crowded CBM space for standalones, and movies that can have fun and do whatever because at the end of the day they aren't building to anything.
Because I feel this coming on in the comments, I figured I'd make some simple substitutions. Because we know some characters will be off limits (or maybe they're in the grey area, who knows) I figured I'd substitute where I could to show some of you haters that this adaption will always be possible
Red Skull ---> Dr. Doom
'New' Kingpin ---> Magneto
Hulk ---> Sabertooth
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