So was I right? Did the Powers That Be finally change the title of “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” to just the less clunky sounding “Wolverine”? Could be, if this USA Today article is right, because they simply calls the film “Wolverine”, minus all the “X-Men Origins” junk. In any case, the article also has your first look at Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, looking all pissed and whatnot (bigger pic below).

More:

Wolverine will be a prequel to the X-Men saga. It will center on the origins of the superhero with animal-like reflexes, an alloy skeletal system and the ability to heal from virtually any wound. He also could use a friend.

The film will trace Wolverine’s past as he discovers the world of mutants and, ultimately, the ominous Weapon X program, which turns people into living weapons.

Jackman is tight-lipped on plot details, though he says the film will hardly be a one-mutant story.

Wolverine’s nemesis Sabretooth “is going to play a big part in it. And there will be a good bit of cameos” of new and familiar mutants, he says. “But you can’t give too much away, because fans are pretty hard-core. Their expectations go up a level every time you come out with a new film.”

Gavin Hood (”Rendition”) will direct from a script by David Benioff. Expect the furball Canuck with a bad attitude sometime May 1, 2009, just in time for Summer Event film status.