Headlines from the Movie World
You may not know this, but actor Russell Crowe could have played Wolverine in X-Men! Yeah, you heard right. But guess what, it was Hugh Jackman who got the role, and boom! he became a star. How did this happen? Let’s unravel this Hollywood roller coaster!
Decoding Russell Crowe’s Decision
In the blockbuster hit X-Men, Crowe could have been Wolverine. But he didn’t take the offer. Why, you ask? According to a chat he had on ‘The Howard Stern Show’ in 2019, he worried he couldn’t rock the role with the same energy and charm as Jackman. He sensed Jackman was a better fit for Wolverine and he sure was right!
Tied to the Gladiator?
Crowe’s decision was also tangled with his commitment to another big movie, Gladiator. He didn’t want people to think he was a one-trick wolf-themed pony. That would have been a major downer. Yet, much of the wolf-theme in Gladiator didn’t make it to the final movie version. Here’s a fun fact though, Crowe pointed the X-Men folks to Jackman!
Jackman’s Hollywood Break!
Now, let’s talk about Hugh Jackman. He has Crowe to thank for his Hollywood break. Back in a 2012 interview, Jackman said he was super thankful to Crowe for not only helping him snag the Wolverine role but also for linking him to the movie ‘Australia’ where he starred with Nicole Kidman.
Gladiator Sequel Drama
On another note, a sequel to Gladiator is causing a fuss. Called Gladiator II, this movie plays out after the first film. The lead role goes to ‘Normal People’ star Paul Mescal. But not everyone’s happy. Crowe voiced concerns about changes that didn’t vibe with the original film.
Revisiting the Past
Perhaps Crowe’s concerns about Gladiator II are more about nostalgia than anything else. After all, Gladiator was a turning point for him and opened exciting new paths. Despite this, Crowe’s keeping busy with four movies currently in the works.
Let’s Wrap This Up!
Crowe’s choice to pass on Wolverine was a game-changer, but it also gave Jackman the chance of a lifetime. It’s just like they say – one door closes, another pops open. Who knows, Crowe and Jackman might team up for another movie in the future.
If you’re keen to re-watch X-Men, it’s ready for streaming on Disney+. As for the new Gladiator, you can book your calendars for November 22 and enjoy it on the big screen.
So why did Russell Crowe reject Wolverine? He ended up making Jackman a Hollywood sensation. One thing’s for sure; you never know what’s cooking up in the world of movies!
For more details, visit Project Casting Blog on https://www.projectcasting.com/blog/news/the-inside-scoop-why-russell-crowe-rejected-wolverine-role-that-made-hugh-jackman-a-star/