What do you do to strengthen a somewhat iffy Marvel film franchise?

Well, if that Marvel film franchise is Spider-Man, you reboot the entire series. If that Marvel film franchise is X-Men, well, you make sure to have the upcoming Wolverine sequel not really even be a sequel.

Alright, so maybe thats not everyones first thought when it comes to brainstorming new approaches to a franchise. But thats what director Darren Aronofsky is doing with The Wolverine, the now non-official followup to 2009s X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

Think of it as a standalone film, if you will.

The Wolverine will take place in Japan, where -- long story short -- Logan (aka Wolverine) gets himself into claws versus sword fights all in the name of love. The story is actually based on Chris Claremont and Frank Millers 1982 Wolverine storyline, so if it sounds a bit far-fetched, at least its actually based in the comic continuity.

Its like Hugh Jackman told New York Magazines Vulture -- this is Wolverine... not Popeye.

While that comparison doesnt really make any sense, Jackman used it as a way to describe how this new film in the franchise will be the kind that will give fans something to think about as you leave the theater, for sure.

Just saying, the same couldve also been said about X-Men 3: The Last Stand.

Production has not begun yet on "The Wolverine," but it could hit theaters late next year or in early 2012.