Marvel Superhero Wolverine Returns
Feral Mutant Rips Back Onto Big Screen
In X-Men Origins: Wolverine , Hugh Jackman once again plays the titular indestructible Marvel mutant superhero with steel claws, animal senses, a short temper and a mean scowl. Unlike three X-Men movies, which previously starred the Aussie actor as the feral crime stopper, director Gavin Hood’s actioner goes back to Wolverine’s early days.
“Even though I’ve played this character before, everything felt new to me,” said Jackman about his new outing as the character. “This time around, we see Wolverine as a kid. And it’s not how you would imagine Wolverine to be, as a child. So it’s great to see the character evolve throughout the film.”
Jackman says he especially missed fellow X-star Halle Berry. Berry plays Storm –a mutant capable of controlling the weather - in the X-Men adventures.
“It felt strange not seeing her on set,” he laughed.
A New Approach to Marve's X-Men Series
Hood, who directed 2007’s Rendition, was happy to take Wolverine into a brand new direction.
“There was, of course, the opportunity to deliver the expected spectacle of action, energy and tons of wonderful eye candy. But we also had a chance to do something very character driven, while evoking very human emotions. So that’s what we did, instead of simply getting caught up in the visual effects and action.”
The character of Wolverine first appeared in Marvel’s superhero comics in 1974, and later became a major member of Marvel’s X-Men series, as well as a headliner of his own comics.
“People love this character because it’s more than a mere battle between good guys and bad guys,” Jackman said. “This guy has a raging battle between good and evil inside himself – that’s why he’s so special. Wolverine is not always a nice guy. In fact, he’s very much an anti-hero.”
Meet the Gang in Team-X
In this adventure, fans meet Team X – a covert military group comprised entirely of mutants. They include Wolverine and Sabretooth (Liev Schreiber) – Wolverine’s brother. The brothers, it turns out, have fought together through major conflicts, including both World Wars and Vietnam.
Another member of the team is high tech mercenary Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds), who is especially skilled in the art of swordplay. Deadpool originally appeared in Marvel’s X-Men comics, but has branched out into other titles within recent years.
“I’ve wanted to play Deadpool most of my life,” said Reynolds, about the Marvel regular who is known as ‘Merc with the Mouth’ for his endless stream of wisecracks.
Another member of the team – who also happens to be Wolverine’s friend and confidante – is John Wraith (Will.i.am of the group, the Black Eyed Peas) – a teleporter who can appear and disappear at will:
“He’s not to be messed with,” cautioned the actor / musician.
What Hugh Jackman has to say:
“The tone of this film is far darker and grittier than the X-Men movies. But through these characters, the audience will embark on a wonderful and exciting journey.”
X-Men Origins: Wolverine Info:
- Studio: Twentieth Century Fox
- Stars: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Thomas Jane, Danny Huston, Dominic Monaghan, Ryan Reynolds, Taylor Kitsch, Will.i.am, Lynn Collins, Kevin Durand and Daniel Henney
- Director: Gavin Hood
- Screenplay: David Benioff, Skip Woods
- Producers: Lauren Schuler Donner, Ralph Winter and John Palermo
- Executive Producers: Stan Lee and Richard Donner
- Rating: PG-13
- US Release Date: 5/1/09
What do you think about this article?
More in Film & TV
Latest Articles