The X-Men franchise still has plenty of life left in it, with X-Men: Apocalypse currently in production, set for release next summer. Fans will also be treated to two spinoffs, Deadpool and Gambit next year, with Wolverine 3 set for release in 2017. After that, though, many are wondering what direction 20th Century Fox will take the franchise, especially since Hugh Jackman has confirmed on numerous occasions that Wolverine 3 will mark his final time playing Logan on the big screen. Aside from Hugh Jackman starring and James Mangold directing, there isn't much else we know about the superhero sequel. Earlier today, Collider got to speak with Patrick Stewart, who confirmed that he will return as Professor Xavier in Wolverine 3.

"I think what you say is true. There is a project in development. I understand that Professor Xavier will be making more than an appearance, however, and that intrigues me."

There had been rumors that Wolverine 3 would be based on the Old Man Logan comic book arc, but they were later shot down. The 2008 comic by Mark Millar and artist Steve McNiven followed Logan after he had retired from being a superhero, as he travels across the United States and runs into several Marvel heroes and villains. This comic book would be quite tricky to bring to the big screen, though, since it includes several characters whose rights are currently controlled by Marvel Studios, such as Hawkeye, Hulk, She-Hulk, Kingpin and Red Skull. Patrick Stewart added, though, that he would love to see this story come to life, if only because it would finally make Hugh Jackman look old, for once.

"And the idea of an old Wolverine - I'm really looking forward to Hugh Jackman getting old. You know, damn him. He looks so great! So I'm hoping to see him covered in prosthetics, you know? And then he'll make me look better if that's the case."

20th Century Fox already has a March 3, 2017 release date penciled in for Wolverine 3, with production on this superhero movie set to begin in early 2016. This will mark the eighth and final time that Hugh Jackman plays Logan. He previously starred in X-Men (2000), X2: X-Men United (2003), X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), X-Men: First Class (2011), The Wolverine (2013) and X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014).

There was a cryptic conversation between Hugh Jackman and director Bryan Singer at Comic-Con, which appeared to hint that he may appear in next year's X-Men: Apocalypse, but we'll have to wait and see. What do you think about Patrick Stewart coming aboard as Professor X in Wolverine 3? Chime in with your thoughts and stay tuned for more on this highly-anticipated superhero project.