Is ‘Logan’ Set In the ‘X-Men’ Universe? Director Clarifies Hugh Jackman’s Comments

Hugh Jackman Logan — Hugh Jackman’s recent comments about “Logan” being in “a slightly different universe” caused some fans to worry. 20th Century Fox

The “X-Men” movie universe is a complicated beast, but that doesn’t mean “Logan” is ignoring it entirely. Despite reports that “Logan” would be a standalone film, director James Mangold has clarified that it is connected to the other “X-Men” films.

The reports started when Hugh Jackman, who plays Wolverine, told Digital Spy that the movie would be very different. “It’s a stand alone movie in many ways,” Jackman said. “It’s not really beholden to time lines and story lines in the other movies. Obviously Patrick Stewart was in there so we have some crossover, but it feels very different and very fresh.”

“When you see the full movie you’ll understand,” he continued. “Not only is it different in terms of timeline and tone, it’s a slightly different universe. It’s actually a different paradigm and that will become clear.”

READ: Who Is The Little Girl In The ‘Logan’ Trailer?

Mangold pointed out to fans that Jackman said “a slightly different universe,” but that doesn’t mean it’s completely disconnected. It just means that it doesn’t feel directly connected to any of the other movies in the franchise. That’s due to the fact that “Logan” is set further in the future than any other “X-Men” movie.

Don't think @RealHughJackman said that exactly. Simple fact. We take place in 2029, 5 yrs past anything depicted in XMEN film.
— Mangold (@mang0ld) January 22, 2017

And "slightly different" causes an uproar? Everyone should breathe and focus on important things.
— Mangold (@mang0ld) January 22, 2017

Because we take place after all the other movies, we have freedom. That's all he meant. Breathe,
— Mangold (@mang0ld) January 22, 2017

This isn’t the first time Mangold has had to clarify reports about his movie. Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) was also reportedly making an appearance in Wolverine’s final outing. However, Mangold, Jackman and Reynolds have all denied the reports.

“Logan” takes place in 2029 and reveals that there has been a decline in the births of mutants. Yet, Professor X (Stewart) comes to Logan with Laura (Dafne Keen), a young mutant that Logan might be able to help. After all, Laura has Wolverine’s powers. She is his clone. The two will develop a close connection in the action movie.

“The relationship between Laura and Logan is going someplace deeply emotional,” Mangold told Nerdist. “It’s a movie about fathers and sons, it’s a movie about fathers and daughters.”

“Logan” is set to hit theaters March 3.