'X-Men' spin-offs 'Magneto' and 'Wolverine' planned

Two spin-offs from the successful movie version of the "X-Men" comics are being planned including on where Australian actor Hugh Jackman, seen here in 2006, will reprise his role as the steel-clawed "Wolverine" in a film of the same name.[AFP]

Two spin-offs from the successful movie version of the "X-Men" comics are being planned, it was reported Friday.

Entertainment industry journal Variety reported that films featuring the "X-Men" characters played by Sir Ian McKellen and Hugh Jackman were in pipeline.

"Magneto" will focus on the mutant villain played by McKellen who has the supernatural power to manipulate metal objects.

McKellen is unlikely to feature prominently in the new film however as it will tell the story of Magneto's early life as he struggles to survive a Nazi death camp before hunting down war criminals in revenge.

However, Australian actor Jackman will reprise his role as the steel-clawed "Wolverine" in a film of the same name.

The "X-Men" trilogy of films has grossed more than one billion dollars worldwide.

Several money-spinning comic-book adaptations have hit screens in recent years, most notably "Spider-Man," which will see a third instalment go on worldwide release next month.

Marvel Studios recently announced plans to bring cult character "Iron Man" to cinemas in 2008, which will also see a new movie version of the "The Incredible Hulk" starring Edward Norton.