Darren Aronofsky has quit The Wolverine, according to a Twentieth Century Fox press statement.

The director, currently much in demand after the success of Black Swan, was just about to begin production on the Japan-set project, but says he didn’t want to be away from his family for such a long period.

Aronofsky stated: "As I talked more about the film with my collaborators at Fox, it became clear that the production of The Wolverine would keep me out of the country for almost a year. I was not comfortable being away from my family for that length of time.

"I am sad that I won't be able to see the project through, as it is a terrific script and I was very much looking forward to working with my friend, Hugh Jackman, again."

Twentieth Century Fox added: “While we are of course disappointed that Darren can’t do The Wolverine, we also understand and respect his reasons... Hugh Jackman and Fox both remain fully committed to making The Wolverine. We will regroup and move forward aggressively.”

It’s disappointing news, as we were looking forward to seeing Aronofsky’s unique vision for the character. As long as Fox don’t bring in a Brett Ratner-style hack, it could still be interesting though…