Australian actor Hugh Jackman was mostly known for his local film work and “Oklahoma” before landing his big breakout role as Wolverine in 2000s “X-Men”.
When that became a smash hit, Jackman quickly found his name on the top of many potential casting lists – including being up for the role of James Bond in 2006’s “Casino Royale”.
Speaking with IndieWire to promote his new drama “The Son,” Jackman talked up his early Hollywood career choices and confirmed he turned down the chance to play James Bond in order to do more projects that allow him a greater variety of work:
“I didn’t want to do the same things. You know, the role of the hero action star. I mean, it was the meat-and-potatoes of a lot of American films, that archetype. It was all various forms of heroic guys in tough situations. I was like, ‘Uh, no. This is a problem.’
[James Bond] I had a look at it. I was like, ‘If I’m doing that and Wolverine, I’ll have no time to do anything else.’ I clearly find it more interesting to play people who color outside the lines.”
That allowed Jackman to go on and do more serious dramatic fare, including Christopher Nolan’s “The Prestige,” Baz Luhrmann’s “Australia” and Denis Villeneuve’s “Prisoners,” among other things. Nevertheless, he still dabbled in action outside the “X-Men” franchise with movies like “Swordfish” and “Van Helsing”. Meanwhile Daniel Craig ended up playing Bond to great success.
Over twenty years later, Jackman will reprise his Wolverine role in Shawn Levy’s “Deadpool 3” at Marvel Studios.
