- Hugh Jackman played "Wolverine"
- Viggo Mortensen turned down the role
- Find out what went down
Hugh Michael Jackman, born in Sydney, loved the outdoors growing up. In his last year of university, he took a drama course and fell right at home. Did you know that he performed the role of "Gaston" in a local stage production of Beauty of the Beast in Melbourne? Hugh earned recognition outside of Australia when he was in the leading role of Oklahoma! in London's West End. The character of "Logan" in X-Men was actually written for another actor from Australia: Russell Crowe. He said no but suggested Hugh Jackman instead (Jackman and Crowe would later act together in Les Miserables).
Not only was Jackman's wife against him being in the movie but many around the world couldn't see a musical stage actor embodying one of the toughest comic book heroes ever. However, Hugh silenced all his critics.
Viggo Mortensen Turned Down X-Men's "Wolverine" Role
Actor Viggo Peter Mortensen Jr. was born in New York State but has Danish ancestry. After graduating from university, Viggo lived in Denmark for a time driving a truck and selling flowers. His first on-screen acting role upon returning to the states was in Witness starring Harrison Ford in 1985.
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In the 1990s, Mortensen was in a number of films including G.I. Jane with Demi Moore. On the advice of his son, Henry, Viggo accepted the role that would change his life: "Aragorn" in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. To hear of another piece of advice that this son gave to his acting father and to learn about a connection between Hugh Jackman and Viggo Mortensen, watch the video above.
