We told you last week that 20th Century Fox had approved both David Slade (30 Days of Night) and Robert Schwentke (RED) to direct X-Men Origins: Wolverine 2, starring Hugh Jackman (Real Steel). Jackman was scheduled to meet with both Slade and Schwentke last week, and he has the final say in who will direct the film.

Now, Deadline reports that Schwentke has dropped out of contention and director Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan) is a new contender to direct the sequel. Slade is still considered the favorite to direct because of his experience with effects heavy tent-pole films, though Jackman could lean towards Aronofsky due to their previous working relationship on The Fountain.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine 2 is slated to hit theaters in 2012