Stephen Merchant has joined fellow Englishman Sir Patrick Stewart for Wolverine 3, starring alongside Hugh Jackman.

Hugh Jackman as Wolverine
Hugh plays Wolverine (Fox Pictures UK)

According to Deadline, the actor and screenwriter – who co-created British sitcom The Office with Ricky Gervais – is set for a role on the big screen.

He is already getting ready for the role.

Posting a video of himself having his head shaved at a barber’s shop, Stephen wrote: “An actor prepares. #Wolverine3″

This follows the news that Richard E Grant is on board to play a baddie in the third Wolverine movie, due in 2017.

The Hollywood Reporter said the British actor will play a mad scientist, although movie head honchos are keeping quiet about his part in the plot.

This will be Hugh’s final outing in the character he has played for 17 years.

Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman (Ian West/PA)

The movie is the follow-up to 2013′s Wolverine and, as yet, does not have a title. Shooting is set to begin in May, with James Mangold directing.

Boyd Holbrook, best-known for his role in Gone Girl, also came on board a fortnight ago to play a villain – although character details are still firmly under wraps.