Set after the events of X-Men: The Last Stand, the film features Wolverine heading to Japan for a reunion with a soldier named Ichirō Yashida whose life he saved years before. Wolverine must defend the man's granddaughter Mariko Yashida from all manner of ninja and Yakuza assassins.[25][26]Christopher McQuarrie, who went uncredited for his work on X-Men, was hired to write the screenplay in August 2009.[27]Darren Aronofsky was chosen to direct the film but bowed out, stating the project would keep him out of the country for too long.[28]James Mangold was later hired to direct the film.[29]Mark Bomback was then hired to rewrite McQuarrie's script.[30] Principal photography began in August 2012 in Sydney, Australia, and ended in November.[31] The film was released on July 26, 2013.[32]
