The folks at XmenFilms.net have been provided by 20th Century Fox with an update on the status of the franchise, and mostly the third movie. Although there's still no news on a director or even a plot, the studio seemed insistant on addressing some strong rumours.

The most 'touchy' subject, aside from Bryan Singer, is the pending return of Oscar winner Halle Barry, as Storm. Since her profile has grown as lot in recent years, the lady has made it publicly known she wouldn't bother unless she gets a little more to do in number 3. The studio won't take any chances, apparently, as they are wirting the part with her departure in mind. It seems the plot-drive behind Storm would easily be shifted elsewhere should the character be written out. A simple cameo as well as re-casting are options not dismissed by Fox.

The other main focus in the fan community is whether the Wolverine movie would come first. The producers insist the priority is to buckle the original trilogy before releasing Wolvie and Magneto in theatres. Both movies are early development, but one doesn't dismiss the idea of simultaneous filming…