Director pulls out of 'The Wolverine'

Darren Aronofsky has pulled out of directing 'The Wolverine'.

The 'Black Swan' director decided against working on the 'X Men' spinoff - which will star Hugh Jackman - because he was worried about being away from his family for too long during filming.

In a statement he said: "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. I was not comfortable being away from my family for that length of time."

He added: "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."

Darren - who has a four-year-old son Henry Chance from a previous relationship with actress Rachel Weisz - was considered an unusual choice to direct the comic book movie, as he is known for art house films such as 'Requiem for a Dream'.

Although it is not yet known who will replace him in the director's chair, Fox said in a statement that the project is still definitely going ahead.

A spokesperson said: "Hugh Jackman and Fox both remain fully committed to making 'The Wolverine'. We will regroup and move forward aggressively."