'Wolverine 3' release date, spoilers, cast news: Mister Sinister could be main villain; teaser coming 'very soon'

The possible main villain in the upcoming "Wolverine 3," which has yet to have an official title, could be someone that was teased in the post-credit scene in this year's "X-Men: Apocalypse."

The post-credit sequence in "Apocalypse" hinted at the introduction of Marvel Comics villain Nathaniel Essex, who is better known in the comic book world as Mister Sinister. According to Cinema Blend, the science-obsessed villain was recently confirmed to appear in "Wolverine 3" and is reportedly playing a significant role in the upcoming film.

The confirmation came in the Digital HD release of "X-Men: Apocalypse," which went live earlier this week. In an audio commentary, "Apocalypse" director Bryan Singer disclosed that Mister Sinister was teased in the post-credit sequence to prepare X-Men fans for "Wolverine 3."

As fans of the Marvel Comics know, Mister Sinister is a scientific genius who experimented on mutants and manipulated his own biology to preserve his powers and personality.

In the post-credit scene in "X-Men: Apocalypse," several men in suits walked into the Alkali Lake facility after the X-Men and Wolverine escaped. One of the men entered Wolverine's (Hugh Jackman) holding cell, retrieved a vial of blood and stashed it in his briefcase, but not before audiences were able to read the words "Essex Corp" on the container. Essex Corp appears to be a corporation owned by Mister Sinister.

According to a separate report by Cinema Blend, now that Mister Sinister has been confirmed for "Wolverine 3," it seems likely that "Gosford Park" actor Richard E. Grant, who was cast back in April, is playing the villain. At the time of his casting in the third Wolverine film, Grant's character was described as being a "mad scientist," a description that also applies to Mister Sinister.

Meanwhile, "Wolverine 3" director James Mangold recently released an upcoming teaser for the highly anticipated film, telling a Twitter follower that "Wolverine 3" footage is coming "very soon."

"Working on it every day in edit room, Vince," Mangold tweeted the Wolverine fan. "You'll hear and see things very soon. Glad you're pumped & I hope we surprise you," he added.

The as-yet-untitled third Wolverine film is scheduled to hit theaters on March 3, 2017.