Two new actors have been added to the cast of the X-Men spin-off focusing on Hugh Jackman’s character of Wolverine:

First, Ryan Reynolds - fresh off modest hit Definitely, Maybe - will make an appearance as Deadpool in the film.

The 31-year-old Canadian actor will star as “a high-tech mercenary known for his wisecracks, black humor, and satirical pop-culture references (thanks, Wikipedia!).

Meanwhile, Friday Night Lights star Taylor Kitsch will play Gambit (Remy LeBeau) in the movie.

Kitsch will be joining Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), Liev Schreiber (Sabretooth), Danny Huston (William Stryker), Lynn Collins (Silver Fox) and Reynolds (Deadpool). in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, which opens nationwide on May 1, 2009.

While Live Schrieber was originally slated to play the younger William Stryker in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, it’s now known that this actor will portray the character of Sabretooth instead.

So, who will be filling Stryker’s evil shoes? Danny Huston.

The role was originated by Bryan Cox in X2: X-Men United.

Moreover, IESB.net, is reporting that Lynn Collins has been cast as Silver Fox, Wolverine’s love interest and fellow member of the Team X project. Collins beat out Maggie Q and Michelle Monaghan for the role.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine explores Wolverine’s early days. The movie will cover Logan’s early life, including his involvement with the mysterious Weapon X program. It comes out in 2009.

In X-Men Origins: Wolverine, look for the title character to get truly angry.

“I know it seems odd given, you know, the guy is already half animal,” Hugh Jackman said to USA Today. “But with all the success of the X-Men, you feel the pressure to keep pushing it further.”

This film will serve as a prequel to the X-Men movies, showing a more vulnerable side to the superhero.

“I think one of the reasons the X-Men took off is that it connected in a way nobody saw,” the actor said. “They’re mutants with powers. But they’re also outcasts for being, and everyone connects with that on some level. And who wouldn’t want the power to get back at the people who ostracized you?”

As Wolverine’s nemesis, Sabretooth (rumored to be played by Liev Schreiber), Jackman said he “is going to play a big part in it. And there will be a good bit of cameos [of new and familiar mutants]. 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.”

Wolverine slashes its way into theaters on May 1, 2009.

We have an update on Liev Schreiber’s role in X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

The actor will, indeed, appear in the film. But he will not be portraying a young Stryker, as had been previously believed. Instead, Schreiber will play Victor Creed (aka “Sabretooth”) in the X-Men follow-up.

In other Wolverine movie casting news, Michael C. Hall is in talks for the role of Stryker, while Michelle Monaghan may portray Silver Fox.

This sequel - or prequel, we suppose - tells the story of Wolverine’s violent and romantic past, his complex relationship with Victor Creed, and the ominous Weapon X program. Along the way, Wolverine encounters numerous mutants, including surprise appearances by several legends of the X-Men universe.

The movie opens on May 1, 2009.

Here’s an unexpected casting rumor for the upcoming Wolverine spin-off movie:

Natalie Imbruglia auditioned for a role in the Hugh Jackman-anchored film two weeks ago, according to Australia’s Herald Sun. There’ noo word on what role she tried out for, though, as we believe this would be the singer’s first-ever acting gig.

Last month, Maggie Q, was said to be the front runner for the role of Silver Fox, Wolverine’s love interest.

Australian actor Christian Clark is in talks to join Hugh Jackman for the spin-off X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

Clark, who recently shot the George Miller-directed horror film Prey, is an in-demand actor right now; he’s also just been snapped up to star in the indie-thriller Crush.

This young actor portrayed Will Grigg’s on Australia’s Neighbours.

In X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Jackman’s Logan takes his search to a new level by learning the full truth of his origin, while also heading in a bold, new direction. The film will also star Live Schrieber as the hero’s nemesis, William Stryker.

Still glowing from his starring role in 300, Gerard Butler is the action star du jour.

With that in mind, sources tell CHUD that the actor is in talks to star in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Reportedly, Karl Urban had been in talks to play Creed - the dude who would become Sabretooth - but that has fallen through.

Will this casting coup really take place? It’s possible. Butler’s schedule has opened up because the Escape from New York remake he had been penciled in for has come apart.

We’ll let you know when we learn more. But who wouldn’t love to see Hugh Jackman do battle with Gerard Butler?!?

The female lead in the X- Men spin-off Origins: Wolverine will reportedly be the Silver Fox, who, like Wolverine, was a member of the CIA’s mutant covert ops unit called Team X.

According to sources, the actress who will fill that role is bad ass Maggie Q.

Maggie Q has also appeared in Balls of Fury and Mission: Impossible III. She’ll co-star with Wolverine himself, Hugh Jackman, in the forthcoming thriller The Tourist.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine is slated to begin filming shortly.

Here’s a preview for Valkyrie, the controversial upcoming movie starring Tom Cruise. It centers on a failed plot to assassinate Hitler…

Calling all Hugh Jackman lookalikes!

Reports out of Australia - where the spin-off film X-Men Origins: Wolverine will begin shooting next month - claim that a local actor may have been cast in the much-hyped film.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that star Jackman has been auditioning actors from Down Under for roles in the prequel. The paper reads:

“One such opportunity has gone to the former McCleod’s Daughters hunk Aaron Jeffrey, who has already gone through one screen test to play Jackman’s brother in the film.

Jackman and Jeffrey - similarly tall, dark and handsome - have had regular catch-ups on Bondi, where Jeffrey is regularly spotted with his girlfriend, another actor with considerable success in Hollywood, Peta Wilson.”

We’ll keep you apprised as casting news for this film continues to break.