Sir Patrick Stewart recently released his memoir, Making It So: A Memoir, in which he recounts his experiences throughout his career in the industry. In his book, the Marvel actor shares two contrasting stories about his interactions with two fan-favorite actors. While Tom Hardy didn’t leave a strong impression, Stewart was elated when Hugh Jackman was cast as Wolverine in X-Men.
The Wolverine character was originally slated for actor Dougray Scott, but he had to drop out due to commitments to Mission: Impossible 2. Auditions for the part happened hastily, and Jackman’s casting took place after the filming had already begun.
Patrick Stewart Was Impressed With Hugh Jackman’s “Star Quality”
After Dougray Scott‘s departure, it was decided to film the non-Wolverine scenes until the role could be recast. Patrick Stewart, along with other actors like Ian McKellen, Halle Berry, and James Marsden, began filming and were present on set when Hugh Jackman came in for a screen test. Stewart revealed in his book, Making It So, that he had the opportunity to meet The Prestige actor before his screen test.
The Doctor Strange 2 actor described Jackman as “a handsome, dark-haired fellow with a relaxed, amiable manner.” All the actors present on set were charmed by The Greatest Showman actor, and Stewart shared that he exuded an intangible star quality. However, they had concerns about his thick Australian accent, which could have been a problem. Stewart wrote in his book (via SlashFilm):
“We all took to him at once, and when he was called onto the set — for what turned out to be an audition for the part of Wolverine — each of us shook his hand and wished him well. In his absence, we discussed the new guy, who had asked us to call him Hugh. We were all rooting for him; he had that intangible star quality. But he also had a thick Australian accent. Would that disqualify him? We wondered if he would be able to cover it up, maybe by working with a dialogue coach.”
The Les Misérables actor returned from his audition half an hour later, initially unsure about his screen test and ready to head back to the airport. The cast, familiar with how these auditions turn out, were disappointed at the thought of losing such a charming guy. However, Jackman was promptly called back and given the role. Stewart shared that he was elated, and hugs were exchanged between them.
Patrick Stewart Found Working With Tom Hardy Challenging
While his encounter with Hugh Jackman was pleasant, Patrick Stewart had a difficult time establishing rapport with Tom Hardy. The Legend actor starred alongside Stewart in Star Trek: Nemesis which proved to be a box office disaster. The Dune actor was not a fan of the movie, deeming it weak, and he was not excited to play the role. Making matters worse, Hardy was not a cheery co-star either. Stewart wrote in his book (via Insider):
“And ‘Nemesis,’ which came out in 2002, was particularly weak. I didn’t have a single exciting scene to play, and the actor who portrayed the movie’s villain, Shinzon, was an odd, solitary young man from London. His name was Tom Hardy. Tom wouldn’t engage with any of us on a social level. Never said, ‘Good morning,’ never said, ‘Goodnight,’ and spent the hours he wasn’t needed on set in his trailer with his girlfriend.”
The Moby Dick actor, however, noted that Hardy was not hostile in any way. Furthermore, he added that the Venom actor left the set without any farewells after wrapping up his role. Stewart believed he would never hear of Hardy again. However, the Peaky Blinders actor went on to become a successful star with roles in The Dark Night Rises and Mad Max: Fury Road. Stewart further noted, “It gives me nothing but pleasure that Tom has proven me so wrong.”
Patrick Stewart’s book, Making It So, is out for purchase now.
