'The Wolverine' embraces mortality in first trailers

Posted Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at 5:23 PM Central
Last updated Friday, March 29, 2013 at 9:11 AM Central

by John Couture

We all know by now that I'm not the comic book guy of this operation, but I've always had a fondness for the X-Men films. I suppose it has something to do with their foundation in reality. Genetic mutation is real, so hypothetically, having mutants running around with "super powers" is something that I can wrap my mind around.

Of course, even I found X-Men Origins: Wolverine to be almost unbearable to watch. So, it was with more than a little bit of trepidation that I clicked play on these first full-length trailers for The Wolverine.

I'm glad I did. It seems that they finally found a good mix of action and self-loathing that seems to work for the broken man that is Logan, aka Wolverine. Apparently this film is taken from a popular arc from the comic book and a quick glance makes it pretty obvious why this arc is so popular with the fans.

Wolverine seems to thrive in environments where he is in charge of his surroundings. I suppose that's why he's loner that is perpetually on the move. Eternity is a long time to get stuck in a rut.

But in The Wolverine, Logan is taken completely out of his comfort zone and given what appears to be a choice to become mortal again. Suddenly, the fights and battles become a bit more interesting if there's actually a chance that Logan might die. I mean, come on, he survives a nuclear blast in the trailer, so I don't buy him meeting his end on a Samurai's blade, unless he's mortal once more.

Needless to say, I'm interested to see where things go from here. The Wolverine hits theaters on July 26.

First up, is the U.S. trailer.

I also included the international trailer below as it includes a bunch of footage not seen above. They are both pretty good on their own, but best when seen together.