Wolverine 3 may introduce fan-favourite mutant X-23

Wolverine 3 will mark the end of Hugh Jackman's tenure as the adamantium clawed mutant, and with his retirement comes questions of what's next for the character on screen. One of the few bits of info we know about the film is that it will be taking plenty of inspiration from the popular 'Old Man Logan' comic, and while X-23 is not featured in that arc she might be making her cinematic debut alongside Wolverine next year.

Superhero Hype first reported the rumour, and a casting call from New Orleans (via ComicBook.com) asking for "Caucasian, Hispanic and Asian looking females specifically at a height of 4'-4'11" and size 0-4 with dark brown hair" - which perfectly describes X-23 - has given it a little more credence.

For the uninitiated, X-23 - who was first introduced in the 2004 animated series X-Men: Evolution and also goes by Laura Kinney - is the first successful result of a Weapon X program designed to clone Wolverine (the first 22 attempts failed, hence the name). She shares all of Logan's mutant abilities, and though they have the same number of adamantium claws Laura has a retractable blade in each foot. 

This would be a great addition to the movie; aside from providing plenty of dramatic material for Jackman to work with, this could also serve as a passing of the mantle to a new Wolverine. In the comics, Laura is currently serving as the Marvel Universe's Wolverine following Logan's 'death', so there would be precedent if the filmmakers decided to go down this route.

Directed by James Mangold and starring Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, and Boyd Holbrook,  Wolverine 3 will be released in cinemas on March 3, 2017.

Images: 20th Century Fox