August 20, 2010 (Sampurn Wire): Australian actor turned producer Hugh Jackman, who was earlier signed for the movie Avon Man, has quit the project to prepare for his role as Wolverine in the sequel of 2009's X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

In Avon Man, Jackman was supposed to play what some would call a "girlie role" of an unemployed car dealer, who exchanges motors for cosmetics, and becomes the top door-to-door representative of Avon. The Avon Man was set to start shooting at the end of 2010. However, with Jackman pulling out from the lead role, the makers are looking for a suitable replacement before the project goes on the floor.

Jackman will continue to be the producer of the movie.

The 41 year old actor preferred to continue with his role as Wolverine in its next sequel. No director has been finalized yet to direct the sequel but there is a report that both Tony Scott and Matt Reeves are being considered. Christopher McQuarrie will be writing the screenplay.

The last movie of the X-Men series was released on 1st May, 2009 across the world. Gavin Hood directed the movie, which starred Ryan Reynolds, Daniel Henney, Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Danny Huston and Liev Schreiber. The superhero action thriller movie was based on a fictional character 'Wolverine' from Marvel Comics.

Jackman's performance in the movie was appreciated, even though it received mixed reviews. There will be a lot of curiosity among the X-Men lovers regarding the next storyline of the movie series.

-- Sampurn Wire