Hugh Jackman has been playing the role of Wolverine for the past 16 years. The character is the face of the X-Men film franchise, having appeared in all of the films, cameo or otherwise. He even got his own titular spinoff. The actor will, of course, be reprising his role one final time in Wolverine 3. But aside from him, Patrick Stewart was the only other actor to have a role in the film. And now it is about to add some more.

Earlier this month Boyd Holbrook was cast as an original villain not known to the comics. Now according to new reports, Stephen Merchant and Richard E. Grant have been cast in the film. More on their roles below.

James Mangold directs Wolverine 3 using a script by Michael Green and David James Kelly, which is said to be inspired by the Old Man Logan story arc, which finds Logan living a peaceful life in a dystopian future, only to be forced out of hiding when all of the world’s supervillains have banded together and killed all of the superheroes. Given how that story uses a number of key characters that are owned by Marvel, it comes as no surprise that original characters are being created for this film. Mark Millar, who co-wrote the comic, calls “Old Man Logan” as “Wolverine doing The Road movie.”

Deadline was the first to report on Merchant’s casting but didn’t have any details as to who he will be playing. Some speculate that he could be the one to help provide the comic relief. Of course, he could give us a surprising performance by doing something else entirely.

Merchant is best known for co-creating the original version of The Office and had a lead role in the short-lived HBO comedy Ladies Man. He is rumored to have a role in the untitled Transformers 5.

The Hollywood Reporter doesn’t say if Grant’s character is one from the comics or will be an original character, but says that he will play “a villainous mad-scientist type.” One might say that based on his look he could play Professor Thorton, the scientist who helped give Wolverine his adamantium bones and claws. But that remains to be seen.

Grant is known for his roles in Dracula, Corpse Bride, and Don Hemingway. He’s also had TV roles in Girls and Downton Abbey.

Lauren Shuler Donner and Hutch Parker are producing.

Wolverine 3 is scheduled to arrive March 3, 2017.

[Source: The Hollywood Reporter | Deadline]