Richard E Grant will play a mystery mad scientist in the upcoming third Wolverine movie

Richard E Grant has taken a mystery role in 20th Century Fox‘s upcoming third Wolverine movie. The Hollywood Reporter has the news, bringing word that the Withnail and I star will play a mad scientist in the James Mangold film. Of course, Marvel Comics has no shortage of mad scientist characters, meaning that Richard E Grant could be playing anyone from one of the major Weapon X players like Professor Andre Thorton or Dr. Abraham Cornelius or even somebody like Mister Sinister.

Richard E Grant joins a cast that includes Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart and Boyd Holbrook. A May start date is being planned with production set to take place in both New Orleans and New Mexico.

Rumors continue to swirl that the film is based on the famous Old Man Logan story line, though this remains unconfirmed. We’ve meanwhile heard that X-23 will be making an appearance, while rumors swirl that the final film could be the first ever R-rated take on Jackman’s Marvel hero. Mangold’s The Wolverine saw an alternate R-rated cut released on home media after its theatrical release and, following the success of Deadpool (currently the highest-grossing X-Men and R-rated movie of all-time), we could be seeing a lot more blood when Wolverine next pops his claws.

Wolverine 3 will be directed by James Mangold from a script by David James Kelly. It is currently scheduled to arrive in theaters on March 3, 2017.

Who do you think Richard E Grant will be playing? Share your speculation in the comments below and check back for further casting information as it becomes available.

(Photo credit: Lia Toby / WENN.com)