Russell Crowe Opens Up About Passing The Wolverine Role To Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman might be the face of Wolverine, but for decades, X-Men fans have known that Russell Crowe was almost cast in the role.

However, while some consider the casting a major missed opportunity for the Gladiator and A Beautiful Mind star, Crowe doesn't seem to mind not having become the X-Men film franchise's Wolverine. Apparently, the actor's very much alright missing out on the role.

Speaking in a recent interview on The Howard Stern Show, Crowe decided to open up about almost being cast as James Hawlett in Brian Singer's X-Men movie. Sure, some fans might have wanted to see him baring out Wolverine's claws, but Crowe strongly believes that he wouldn't have been able to give the role the same justice that Jackman gave to the part.

"There's no way I would have ever done that." Crowe explained. "Even if I'd done the film, I wouldn't have carried it through with the grace and the direction that Hugh gave it."

We can see why Crowe would think that way. Jackman has played Wolverine for decades, and while most were unsure about his casting during his first X-Men movie, the actor has proven himself to be the seminal version of the character, capping his career in the mutant franchise off with Oscar-nominated Logan.

Of course, Jackman wouldn't have gotten the part if it weren't for Crowe. Not only did the actor turn down the role, but he also suggested Jackman for the part. Now, the Australian actor is the face of Wolverine that we'll remember for a long, long time.

Fox's latest mutant release, X-Men: Dark Phoenix, is currently screening in cinemas.

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