Darren Aronofsky bows out of "Wolverine"

Darren Aronofsky is bowing out of directing 20th Century Fox's sequel "The Wolverine," saying the project would keep him out of the country for too long.

Fox and Hugh Jackman - who is set to return in the title role - said they remain fully committed to making "Wolverine" and will move aggressively to find a new director.

Fox hadn't yet greenlit the sequel. A significant portion of the movie will be shot overseas (there had been plans to shoot in Japan).

"As I talked more about the film with my collaborators at Fox, it became clear that the production of The Wolverine would keep me out of the country for almost a year," Aronofsky said in a joint statement with Fox.

"I was not comfortable being away from my family for that length of time. I am sad that I won't be able to see the project through, as it is a terrific script and I was very much looking forward to working with my friend, Hugh Jackman, again," he continued.

Stated Fox: "While we are of course disappointed that Darren can't do 'The Wolverine,' we also understand and respect his reasons. Having done both 'The Wrestler' and 'Black Swan' with Darren, we know he is an extraordinary talent and we look forward to working with him on other projects in the future. Hugh Jackman and Fox both remain fully committed to making The Wolverine. We will regroup and move forward aggressively."

Aronofsky's production company Protozoa has first-look deal with Fox.

Christopher McQuarrie is writing "Wolverine." Movie doesn't have a release date yet.