Seed Productions, the newly named producing venture headed by Hugh Jackman and John Palermo, has made a first-look deal at 20th Century Fox reports Variety.

The pact is an outgrowth of Jackman's work as the signature "X-Men" character Wolverine, and the deal calls for Seed to steer a David Benioff-scripted spinoff film that Jackman will topline after "X3" wraps. Jackman and Palermo will produce "Wolverine" with Lauren Shuler Donner and Marvel's Avi Arad. Palermo says Benioff will turn in his first draft shortly.

Jackman's wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, will also be a partner in the company, and Seed will develop projects for her to direct. This Fox deal will be separate from a nonexclusive arrangement Jackman and Palermo made with Disney and Storyline partners Craig Zadan and Neil Meron to develop musical vehicles for Jackman, the Tony-winning star of "The Boy From Oz."

Of the recent replacement of Matthew Vaughn with Brett Ratner at the helm of "X3", Jackman says "It got to be a roller-coaster ride there, but I wasn't worried because the script is so strong... Brett has come in with a lot of enthusiasm and full understanding of the franchise."

Thanks to 'Tomorrow'.