X-Menwas released in theaters 20 years ago today, and starHugh Jackmanis marking the occasion by sharing a silly behind-the-scenes video complete with a crack at his lack of muscle tone when he first played Wolverine. Indeed, a lot has changed in the superhero movie genre over the last two decades, butX-Menwas in many ways a foundational film for what would come later. 20th Century Fox and directorBryan Singer(who, unfortunately, is allegedly a Bad Dude) crafted a grounded take on a superhero movie that would pave the way for even more grounded/grittier films likeBatman Beginsin the future. It’s hard to overstate how abnormal it was to step into anX-Menmovie and have the prologue begin in a concentration camp.
The franchise would have its ups and downs in the ensuing years, but no one loomed as large as Jackman’s Wolverine. The actor became synonymous with the role, and would lead the only successful solo spinoff from theX-Menfranchise – twice! (let’s all pretendX-Men Originsdoesn’t exist okay?). But Jackman wasn’t even supposed to play Wolverine. As he quips in the tweet below, he had only three weeks to get into shape to play Logan.Dougray Scottwas originally cast in the role, but when the production ofMission: Impossible 2ran over-schedule, Scott had to drop out ofX-Men. Singer had already begun filming and was scrambling to find a replacement, and in steps Jackman with basically no prep time.
Jackman was a standout even in that firstX-Men, and would go on to shine in sequels likeX2andX-Men: Days of Future Past. One could accurately say the entire franchise was basically built on Jackman’s shoulders, and so it’s kind of fitting that the series has now essentially sputtered out following the release of last year’s dudDark Phoenixand the sale of Fox to Disney, which now puts the X-Men underKevin Feigeand Marvel Studios’ purview – just after Jackman retired from the Wolverine role with the brilliantLogan.
So take a quick trip down memory lane and check out Jackman’s throwbackX-Menvideo below. For a fuller look at the franchise,check out our ranking of all theX-Menmovies released thus far.
