Hugh Jackman has extended his claws as Logan/Wolverine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) alongside Ryan Reynolds in Deadpool & Wolverine. His iconic entry as the X-Men character is just as incredible as the actor himself, with Kevin Feige playing a pivotal role in this journey.
Feige, who is better known as the current MCU boss, started his career in the same year as the former, with the duo developing a strong professional history. Now, the actor presented a poetic surprise for the latter, which comes right after his debut in the MCU.
Hugh Jackman and Kevin Feige Bonded Over Steak Dinner
The 55-year-old actor donned the Logan aka Wolverine role in the year 2000 for X-Men, but almost everyone knows by now that the actor was not the first choice for the synonymous character. When Hugh Jackman auditioned for the role, he was far from the notable star he is today.
At the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony (via Maximo TV) honoring producer and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, Jackman reflected on his casting days, stating that he was almost rejected for the role. But, it was the latter, who saw something special in Jackman. He shared,
You know when an actor says ‘I knew I wasn’t going to get the part?’ Well, I really knew I wasn’t going to get the part. In fact, everybody knew I wasn’t going to get that part because there wasn’t a part to be had.
After the audition, he drove the then-unknown actor to the airport. But rather than letting him go, he took him out for a steak lunch, knowing that the actor spent his entire day just to face an almost rejection.
He just insists, says I want to give you a steak. So we go in to this steakhouse and, you know, I’m an actor. I’m in. It’s free steak. Totally.
Keeping free food aside, the actor recalled calling his kind actions a class act, adding that the then producer didn’t need to be kind to him, yet his thoughtful act was something that The Greatest Showman actor would never forget.
Eventually, the actor ended up becoming our iconic superhero character, before taking an apparent retirement with Logan (2017). But, that steak lunch acted as a beacon of hope for the actor. It has now come full circle with the actor’s return to his iconic role, marking his debut with Deadpool & Wolverine in the MCU.
Full Circle Moment With Hugh Jackman All Due to Kevin Feige!
Feige’s kind gesture of spending time with Jackman became a defining moment, setting the stage for a strong professional relationship and friendship.
The Bad Education star became synonymous with Wolverine, making it an iconic character among superheroes. Meanwhile, Feige’s career too caught speed as he became the driving force behind the MCU, bringing the iconic MCU franchise to life.
Fast forward to 2024, the duo worked again under the MCU banner, after the merger of Marvel and Fox, bringing X-Men characters back. This became a full circle moment as Feige once again played a pivotal role in bringing his character back after he heroically sacrificed himself in the 2017 movie.
During the event, Jackman presented him with a $15 gift card to Mastro’s Steakhouse, calling it a “full-circle moment,” adding that the card is “valid on Tuesdays between 3 and 3:30.”
He added,
And I honestly would go with you but I’m kind of like a massive movie star now. Wouldn’t look good for me.
He got candid about the MCU boss, stating,
At every turn, you’re generous, you’re thoughtful and you’re like a Jedi, man. It’s the mark of a great producer.
The gift card in itself is a token of appreciation for continuing the character’s arc and acknowledging their bond. As for the newly released movie, it is creating an uproar in theatres. The R-rated MCU movie has already surpassed Avengers: Endgame in Rotten Tomatoes audience ratings.
Deadpool and Wolverine is running in theatres.
