X-Men Origins: Wolverine is moving forward, and the studio is reportedly on the cusp of hiring a director. The shortlist is very short, indeed: David Slade (Hard Candy, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse) is said to be the frontrunner, with Robert Schwentke (Red) as a backup option.

While both men have been approved by 20th Century Fox brass, the decision comes down to Hugh Jackman, and some websites are reporting that he’s going to choose Slade.

Christopher McQuarrie (The Usual Suspects) is penning the script. The story sees Wolverine in Japan, where he falls for a Japanese woman who has been promised to someone else. Conflict ensues with her father, and Wolverine has to fight off a host of sword-wielding enemies.