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It Could Have Been This Actor Instead of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in Deadpool & Wolverine if Not for a Twist 25 Years Ago

By Denis Youve published  Nov 18, 2024

Currently dominating Disney+ as one of the most streamed films this month, Deadpool & Wolverine is a roaring success that unites Ryan Reynolds’ wisecracking mercenary with Hugh Jackman’s iconic portrayal of Wolverine.

The film, which marks the adamantium-clawed mutant’s tenth big-screen appearance, owes much of its success to Jackman’s unwavering commitment to the character. Yet, in an alternate universe, the blockbuster could have had a very different face donning those claws.

The journey to Wolverine’s cinematic immortality began with an unexpected twist. Dougray Scott, a rising star at the time known for Ever After and his villainous turn in Mission: Impossible II, was originally cast as Logan for Bryan Singer’s X-Men (2000). The Scottish actor seemed destined to step into the rugged, brooding role. However, a series of unfortunate events saw Scott sidelined just as X-Men began production.

Filming for Mission: Impossible II ran into delays, with Scott locked into reshoots under the watchful eye of Tom Cruise, who insisted on his commitment to the spy thriller. Compounding matters, Scott suffered an injury during the intense action sequences of the film, further tethering him to the production. In a candid 2020 interview with The Telegraph, Scott revealed, “Tom Cruise didn’t let me do it. For whatever reason, he said I couldn’t leave, and that was that.” Despite efforts by others to make scheduling work, Scott ultimately had to step down, paving the way for a then-unknown Australian theater actor to audition.

Enter Hugh Jackman. With only weeks to go before filming began, Jackman was hastily cast after earning a glowing recommendation from Russell Crowe, who himself had turned down the role. Jackman arrived on set three weeks into production, surrounded by a cast that had already begun bonding. What could have been a shaky start turned into a career-defining moment. Jackman not only embodied the feral intensity of Wolverine but infused the character with humanity and depth that captivated audiences for over two decades.

The rest, as they say, is history. Jackman went on to star in nine films as Wolverine, transforming the character into a cinematic icon. His journey has spanned standalone hits like Logan, which gave Wolverine a poignant farewell, to the joyous chaos of Deadpool & Wolverine. Now streaming on Disney+, the latter film offers fans one last dose of Jackman’s legendary portrayal.

It’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role now. Jackman’s physicality, charisma, and emotional range have made Wolverine synonymous with his name. While Dougray Scott’s missed opportunity remains one of Hollywood’s most fascinating “what-ifs,” it’s impossible to deny that fate chose the perfect mutant to bring the character to life. Jackman hasn’t just played Wolverine—he’s immortalized him, leaving an adamantium legacy that will stand the test of time.