The film 's development began in 2009 after the release of '' X-Men Origins : Wolverine '' . Christopher McQuarrie was hired to write a screenplay for '' The Wolverine '' in August 2009 . In October 2010 , Darren Aronofsky was hired to direct the film . The project was delayed following Aronofsky 's departure and the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in March 2011 . In June 2011 , Mangold was brought on board to replace Aronofsky . Bomback was then hired to rewrite the screenplay in September 2011 . The supporting characters were cast in July 2012 with principal photography beginning at the end of the month around New South Wales before moving to Tokyo in August 2012 and back to New South Wales in October 2012 . The film was converted to 3D in post-production
Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
The Wolverine (film)