Shawn Ashmore, known to fans as Bobby Drake/Iceman in the X-Men films, says that he is both under contract and eager to reprise the character in a future film, something that will be more likely if X-Men Origins: Wolverine succeeds at the box-office. Ashmore spoke to SCI FI Wire about his part in the film adaptations of Marvel's mutant superheroes, where he talked about where he might appear next.

Ashmore said that, in all likelihood, that next appearance of his will not be in X-Men: First Class, although the character of Bobby Drake may appear. "I heard rumors about a young-X-Men movie, and then I heard it was going to be something taking place in the past," he said. "So even though Iceman and Bobby Drake are a big part storyline-wise, the way that they set up that character in the series, he's much younger than the other characters. I'm just not sure how realistic that would be. Clearly I'm getting older, so if they were to do that, I'm sure that they would cast a younger actor." Ashmore is no doubt referring to the fact that, in the comics, Bobby Drake was a member of Xavier's original class. However, in the films Drake was clearly a part of the next generation.

Still, Ashmore is hopeful that there will be another spin-off that might include him. However he doesn't think that will be X-Men 4. "As far as an X4, that's been debated and talked about forever. I don't think an X-Men 4 will happen, and that's my opinion. That's not anything I've heard from anybody official. I just know how tough it was to get everybody together scheduling-wise for [X-Men: The Last Stand]. There's just so many major actors involved. I think that's just such a challenge." That being said, Ashmore points out that he is both willing to return, saying he would "absolutely love to play the character again," and that "I still have another film contracted."

So, where does Ashmore think he might get the opportunity to return to the screen as Iceman? Well, perhaps in one of the rumored spin-off films, even if not a prequel. Both Deadpool and Gambit have been put forth as possible candidates for their own films. Could Bobby Drake/Iceman have a role there? Ashmore thinks so, saying "Now, with the outlet of having the spinoff films, I think that seems more realistic."

In any case, Ashmore is grateful for the opportunity that came his way to play the ice-wielding superhero. "I sort of grew up playing him, and it's a rare opportunity, outside of maybe a television show, to continue playing a character film-wise," he said. "It's been a real gift to be a part of that series and also grow and mature with [Bobby Drake]."

You may not see Iceman in the film, but if you're craving mutant superheroic action, X-Men Origins: Wolverine will be clawing it's way into theatres Friday, May 2.