The X-Men debuted in the modern world of cinema and television (mostly, the former) during the turn of the century, and one of the primary characters that managed to make it onto the roster was Wolverine. It wasn’t too long after that as the casting directors began sending feelers out before an actor from halfway around the world, i.e. Hugh Jackman rightfully snatched up the role. However, it wasn’t without qualms that the Aussie was brought on board the project that would then star Hollywood greats, Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart.

The critically successful film then became the first in a long line of X-Men movies that would go on to establish Hugh Jackman as one of the best, if not the most immensely adored, actors of our generation.

Hugh Jackman

Also read: “There are certainly questions to be asked”: Hugh Jackman Breaks Silence on Bryan Singer’s Abusive Behavior on X-Men Movie Set

Hugh Jackman Recalls His Audition For Wolverine in X-Men

When we say Wolverine, you think Hugh Jackman – that’s how synonymous the actor has become with the comic book personality. But those who were in love with the character much before the Foxverse movies came out (instead of it being the other way around) know that the casting directors skipped a point in the selection criteria list when they elected to hire Jackman for the Bryan Singer movie.

In an interview with Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace, Hugh Jackman addresses the height issue that rose when he was chosen to play the clawed mutant.

“I did about seven auditions […] and then I went to see the head of productions and when we were talking, he said, ‘You know, there’s just one problem and I hope the fans don’t have a problem with this because the character is meant to be 5 ft 5 in.’ And I said, ‘Tom, it’s gonna be absolutely fine. Don’t worry about a thing.’”

Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in X-Men (2000)

Also read: “Which was important to me”: Hugh Jackman Does Not Want His Return as Wolverine in Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool 3 to Ruin Logan

Jackman simultaneously began to hobble around crouched at the knees to visibly look shorter. Of course, that wouldn’t work while filming which meant the rest of the cast had to walk around him “on planks and boxes” whereas Hugh Jackman himself could not wear shoes during the entire course of filming. Despite the lengths that the production went to, the actor claims, “After a while, they just gave up on that.”

Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine Marks 10th Anniversary in 2024

The inimitable Hugh Jackman has proved that life indeed imitates art when the 54-year-old defied decades of his age looking almost the same as when he started out as Wolverine in 2000. Posing as a serious competition to his onscreen alter ego, Jackman went on to play the part for 17 long years and across 9 movies throughout the Foxverse timeline before laying this chapter down to a saddening close.

Hugh Jackman returns as Wolverine in Deadpool threequel

Also read: “Start running now because I’m coming for you”: Hugh Jackman Cancels His Hollywood Projects For Six Months For Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool 3

The surprising reprisal of his character in Deadpool 3 will witness Wolverine’s 10th appearance as the clawed superhero, alongside Ryan Reynolds’s Merc With a Mouth. The pair have been hyping up the film (inadvertently) ever since the announcement blew the fandom away. Set to be directed by Shawn Levy, the film will witness the two reuniting in their respective roles since their first adventure together in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

Deadpool 3 will premiere on November 8, 2024.