Hugh Jackman reveals the unlikely way he scored the biggest role of his career

Hugh Jackman has revealed the hilarious and unlikely way he scored the life-changing role of Wolverine in the first X-Men film.

While speaking to the Sibling Revelry podcast with Kate and Oliver Hudson, the showman reflected on the audition process for the movie that changed his life and career.

He explained he went for the audition while he as working in the play Oklahoma, rushing to the audition in between his matinee and evening show for the day.

Hugh Jackman has revealed the hilarious and unlikely way he scored the life-changing role of Wolverine in the first X-Men film. (IMDB)

Jackman explained he got the role in a “great bit of luck.” 

“It was a long show, we came down at 5pm, I had to be back by 7pm,” he explained.

“I ran into town, I’m waiting to do this audition, and I remember [thinking], they knew I had a show, and I was like I’ve got to go.”

“Finally, I did the d–khead thing… someone left – I knocked on the door. I said, ‘Guys, I’ve got to go’, and they said, ‘Well, you’re not next,’ and I said, ‘That’s cool, I’ve got a show to do, so I’m out. Thanks, all the best.'”

READ MORE: ‘Saying goodbye’ Burgess family’s unthinkable loss

READ MORE: What destroyed the Beckhams’ unbreakable bond?

READ MORE: Jojo Siwa and partner Chris Hughes reveal engagment plans

Hugh Jackman podcast
Jackman explained he got the role in a “great bit of luck.”  (Instagram)

“I was pissed and [by that point] didn’t give a s–t… so whatever nerves I had about doing it, I was just like, whatever.”

“I went in, did it, I didn’t give a s–t, that was of course perfect for Wolverine… I walked out the door and they were like, ‘We love this guy, let’s get him back!'”

He said in his next audition, he was much more excited and wanted to please the casting agents.

For a daily dose of 9honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 07: Hugh Jackman attend the "Song Sung Blue" BAFTA Screening at DGA Theater Complex on December 07, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for BAFTA)
After the X-Men movie, Jackman shot to international stardom. (Getty Images for BAFTA)

The actor and singer added that he did the audition with a full perm, which he had for the musical. 

After the X-Men movie, Jackman shot to international stardom.

He played in dozens of massive hits, including The Prestige, Les Misérables, Flushed Away, Happy Feet, Night at the Museum, The Greatest Showman, Eddie the Eagle and his two most recent projects, Song Sung Blue and The Sheep Detective.

Song Sung Blue, which comes out on Christmas Day, is a true-musical drama about two struggling musicians, played by Jackman and Hudson, who form a Neil Diamond tribute band called “Lightning & Thunder.”

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.

Source link