Hugh Jackman started his Hollywood journey as Wolverine and has come a long way to become one of the biggest stars. However, it would not have been possible without Russell Crowe, who was initially offered to portray the titular hero in the 2000 X-Men. Crowe was at the peak of his career at the time, already having an Oscar nomination under his name for the 1999 film, The Insider. He was Bryan Singer’s first choice for the character.
The Gladiator star, however, recommended his friend Hugh Jackman for the role. The actor later reflected on his decision as he explained the reason he did not want to be “wolfy” in the 2000 X-Men film.
Why Russell Crowe Turned Down the Offer to Play Wolverine?
Hugh Jackman has played the Marvel character Wolverine since the 2000 film X-Men and has become a fan favorite over the years. Fans love him so much that it seems impossible for them to consider someone else playing the titular hero. However, at one point, the role almost went to the Hollywood star Russell Crowe.
He declined the offer, and the reason behind that seems somewhat odd. The Oscar-winning actor finished his 2000 film Gladiator, which features him as Maximus, a Hispano Roman legatus who was forced into slavery. During an interview, the Robin Hood star shared which aspect of his character in the 2000 film led him to say no to Wolverine.
He shared, “If you remember, Maximus has a wolf at the center of his cuirass, and he has a wolf as his companion.” Crowe shared that he believed it was a “big deal” at the time. So he refused the offer to play the Marvel hero Wolverine in the 2000 film.
“So I said no because I didn’t want to be wolfy, like Mr. Wolf,” he said. However, most of his scenes with his Wolf companion didn’t make it to the final cut. But the Noah star still doesn’t regret his decision as he suggested Hugh Jackman for the part, who has become a fan favorite over the years.
Russell Crowe Says He Couldn’t Have Done It Like Hugh Jackman
When it comes to portraying Logan, aka Wolverine, fans can hardly imagine anyone else other than Hugh Jackman in the role. Fans were over the moon when he announced his comeback alongside Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool. And they are not alone to believe that no other actor could have portrayed the character better than the Australian actor.
Russell Crowe, who recommended him for the role, also admitted that he would not have been able to portray the same Logan as Hugh Jackman. During his appearance on The Howard Stern Show, the Poker Face star shared that there is no way he could have done it like the Real Steel star.
“There’s no way I would have ever done that. Even if I’d done the film, I wouldn’t have carried it through with the grace and the direction that Hugh gave it.”
The Wolverine actor is also grateful to Crowe for recommending him, as it led him to be one of the most influential stars in Hollywood. He will reprise his role as Wolverine in the upcoming Marvel film Deadpool 3.
Deadpool 3 is set to release on 8 November 2024.
Source: Screencrush
