When Hugh Jackman was first cast as Wolverine in 2000, it was a career-defining moment, but one that came with a great deal of pressure. Not only was he stepping into a role that had a massive fan following, but he was also joining an ensemble cast that included Hollywood heavyweights like Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen. Little did Jackman know that these two seasoned actors, who portrayed the iconic Professor X and Magneto, would not only help guide him through the complexities of his new role, but also provide him with invaluable mentorship that would shape his journey as an actor and the portrayal of Wolverine over the next two decades.
The Beginning: A Newcomer to the X-Men Universe
When Jackman was cast as Logan/Wolverine, he was relatively unknown to mainstream audiences, despite his background in Australian theater. The role of Wolverine, portrayed by the much-loved and muscular comic book character, was a significant challenge, especially when compared to Hugh Jackman’s relatively soft-spoken demeanor at the time. Jackman was aware that living up to the fierce, gritty nature of the character wouldn’t be easy. Enter Patrick Stewart (Professor X) and Ian McKellen (Magneto), both veterans of stage and screen with decades of experience under their belts.
The Guidance of Patrick Stewart: A Calm and Steady Influence
Patrick Stewart, a seasoned Shakespearean actor known for his work in both theater and film, quickly became a mentor to Jackman. Stewart’s calm presence on set and his disciplined approach to the craft made him a model for Jackman to follow. Stewart, who had been a part of the X-Men franchise from the very beginning, shared with Jackman the importance of grounding such larger-than-life characters in a deep emotional truth.
“He was so generous with advice,” Jackman once remarked. “Patrick said, ‘You don’t have to try to be the toughest guy in the room. Just play the truth of the character. And if you’re doing that, you’ll be fine.’” This advice proved invaluable as Jackman spent the next several films refining Wolverine’s internal conflict—his struggle with his animalistic nature and his humanity.
Beyond just acting tips, Stewart taught Jackman how to navigate the challenges of the film industry. Stewart’s own experiences with Star Trek and long-running franchises helped Jackman understand the significance of being part of such an iconic series. It wasn’t just about the role; it was about representing something larger and making sure to honor the fans and the legacy.
Ian McKellen: A Friendship and Shared Passion for Theater
In addition to Stewart, Ian McKellen’s influence on Jackman was equally profound, albeit in a more playful and theatrical manner. McKellen, an accomplished actor with a reputation for wit and charisma, brought a different dimension to the mentorship. While Stewart was the steadying force, McKellen injected humor, warmth, and encouragement into the mix.
The chemistry between Jackman and McKellen was palpable both on and off-screen. Their friendship grew quickly, and Jackman often found himself looking up to McKellen as a figure who not only inspired him as an actor but as a person. McKellen, who was also known for his deep love of theater, shared his passion for the stage with Jackman, who, like McKellen, had a background in theater. The two would often share stories of their time on the stage, and McKellen was quick to offer Jackman advice about how to approach his work with the same gravitas and attention to detail that he would a Shakespearean role.
In fact, McKellen’s own advice to Jackman about staying true to the emotional core of his characters resonated with him during the later X-Men films, where Wolverine's emotional depth became more pronounced, especially in Logan (2017), the film that marked Jackman’s final appearance in the role.
The Evolution of Wolverine: A Legacy of Friendship and Mentorship
As the years went by, Jackman grew into the role of Wolverine with increasing confidence, but he never forgot the mentorship he received from Stewart and McKellen. Their friendship continued to flourish over the course of the X-Men films, with both actors providing constant encouragement and support. Jackman often spoke about the emotional weight of the final Logan film and the role that his friendship with Stewart and McKellen played in preparing him for the end of his journey as Wolverine.
On the final day of shooting for Logan, Stewart and McKellen were there to offer support, reminding Jackman of the significance of his contribution to the franchise. Jackman later recounted how Stewart gave him a heartfelt hug after wrapping up his final scene as Wolverine, and McKellen, ever the theatrical soul, reminded him, “It’s just like the stage: you take your bow, and you leave the audience wanting more.”