Logan director James Mangold hopes for an X-23 movie

‘Logan’ may (or, possibly may not?) mark Hugh Jackman’s retirement from his signature role, but it seems director James Mangold isn’t necessarily done with the ‘X-Men’ universe.

Speaking to We Got This Covered, Mangold expressed hopes that he may revisit the key new character that will be introduced in ‘Logan’ – young Wolverine clone X-23, played by child actress Dafne Keen.

Mangold says, “I think Dafne is incredible in the film and I would love to see another film about that character and that’s certainly something I’d be involved in. For me that was one of the big additions I brought to the table, this decision to try to make the film about family and to try to insert Laura and the pressures that would put and the idea about Charles ailing.”

In addition, the director also confirmed “I definitely know that Hugh and I will work together again,” even if it isn’t on another Wolverine movie. (Mangold and Jackman had collaborated prior to 2013’s ‘The Wolverine’ on 2001 rom-com ‘Kate and Leopold.’)

It seems almost certain that X-23 will be back in some capacity after ‘Logan.’ The character, whose origin was hinted at in the post-credits scene of 2016’s ‘X-Men Apocalypse,’ has long been rumoured to be intended as a successor of sorts to Wolverine following Jackman’s retirement.

Of course, given that Jackman is stepping down at age 48 whilst Dafne Keen is aged only 11 or 12, the character can’t be quite the same. Then there’s also been some talk that ‘Logan’ isn’t strictly speaking set in the same universe as the existing X-Movies – and given that (as ‘Deadpool’ noted) the timelines are rather confusing already, this could be an issue.

Either way, it looks like big changes are in store for the X-Movies. On top of ‘Deadpool 2’ starting production at some point in the near future, there are rumours that ‘Apocalypse’ sequel ‘X-Men: Supernova,’ allegedly a new take on the classic Dark Phoenix saga, may start production later this year, as well as spin-off ‘The New Mutants.’

Before all that, ‘Logan’ opens in UK cinemas on 1 March.

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