Oscar-nominated director Darren Aronofsky has unfortunately left the director’s seat in The Wolverine starring Hugh Jackman. The new movie is a stand-alone, separate from X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and deals with Logan’s adventures in Japan. And due to this, Aronofsky reasoned that he doesn’t want to spend almost a year in Japan and away from family.

 

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[…] I was not comfortable being away from my family for that length of time. I am sad that I won’t be able to see the project through, as it is a terrific script and I was very much looking forward to working with my friend, Hugh Jackman, again.”

— Darren Aronofsky

Fortunately Fox understood Aronofsky’s stance on the project and noted that he’s proven himself as an extraordinary director with The Wrestler and Black Swan, and they respect his decision. They went on to say that they look forward to working with him on other projects.

I was stoked for The Wolverine movie due to Aronofsky’s involvement; he would’ve brought the character in an interesting direction. Fox’s replacement for Aronofsky will have a large seat to fill.

(The Hollywood Reporter)