By: Kristy Puchko

Even though X-Men Origins: Wolverine was a solid hit for Fox, pulling in more than $373 million worldwide, follow up The Wolverine stumbled its way into production. Darren Aronofsky dropped the film and left Fox scrambling for a replacement; after names like Doug Liman, Justin Lin, Duncan Jones and Mark Romanek were bandied about, the job ultimately went to Knight and Day director James Mangold.

In short, the development of the film has been a rollercoaster ride of thrilling possibilities and soul-crushing disappointments for fans of the franchise. But now with a first official photo of Hugh Jackman back in action and ready to brawl as the titular badass, fans can take some comfort in the fact that Logan’s never before looked so intimidating. Check out the still released by Twentieth Century Fox at the film’s official Facebook page.

Jackman is insanely ripped in this shot, displaying a body that, with the help of some shrewd shading, looks like he’s not a man of steel, but a man of adamantium! In the distance and out of focus, you can make out what appears to be a Buddhist temple. This gives audience an impactful preview of what screenwriters Mark Bomback and Christopher McQuarrie have in store for their adaptation of Chris Claremont and Frank Miller’s heralded comic book arc, which sends Logan to Japan for a battle that will change him forever.

The Wolverine will charge into theaters—all fists and adamantium claws—on July 26th, 2013.

Source: Cinema Blend