The idea that Logan is a dramatically different kind of superhero movie is being driven home with a black and white version coming to DVD and Blu-ray.
Logan, director James Mangold says a black and white version is coming because of positive responses to the moody photos he shot on set, which he posted on Twitter and the film’s official Instagram, @wponx.
“It is something we are doing,” Mangold told Deadline he thinks Jackman looks handsome under harsh lighting. The director observed that his photos inspired an “extreme reaction” from fans, making it plausible to pursue an alternate cut of the film without color.
“It caused such an extreme reaction, and so much appreciation for these pictures, and then people immediately [were] wondering if the film itself was going to be in black and white, and so we are giving it a whirl, and I think the Blu-ray will come out with a pass on it.” Mangold added he thinks it “will be a very handsome” version of his film.
Despite Logan coming from the colorful world of comic books, Mangold’s film is devoid of yellow spandex and spectacular explosions. It’s safe to say that, for the most part, color is inconsequential to the story in Logan.
A brief teaser for Logan, titled “Sunseeker,” gives a glimpse of what the film looks like in black and white with extreme lighting contrast. Mangold is right in that a black and white Logan resonates with its audience: Its view count is currently north of 798,000.
Hugh Jackman’s last Wolverine film isn’t the only one that’s explored black and white. AMC has re-aired episodes of its smash hit zombie drama The Walking Dead devoid of color, mimicking the original graphic novel. George Miller also released an alternate black and white version of Mad Max: Fury Road.
Logan is out now in theaters.
