Hugh Jackman: BINDING THE PAST AND FUTURE DAYS OF X-MEN
With his near-impervious Adamantium-bonded bones and his remarkable
ability to heal, Wolverine has, over the years, become one of the best-loved
heroes in the X-Men films and one of the most iconic superheroes to make the
leap from comics to the big screen. In 20th Century Fox latest
“X-Men: Days of Future Past,” he’ll be tested to the limit as his consciousness
is sent back through time to help his friends stop one of the most dangerous
threats they’ve faced yet.
Directed by Bryan
Singer, the movie sees Hugh Jackman’s Logan/Wolverine as the tie that binds the
days of future and past. Jackman has
played the character of Wolverine seven times over 14 years, which he describes
as an “incredible and rare gift.” It is
the character that has defined his career, but has never limited him as an actor. Jackman knows Wolverine better than anyone,
and he describes Logan’s return to the X-Men universe as a “rebirth.”
“Logan sees
himself, for the first time in a long while, as part of the X-Men team,”
Jackman continues. “He has come to terms
with the fact that his anger is his greatest weapon. He is a warrior at peace with himself
now. Being the only mutant with the
capacity to heal himself, Logan volunteers to travel back in time to prevent
the mutant apocalypse that the X-Men of the future are facing.”
Wolverine’s
mutant abilities make him the only member of the X-Men capable of making the
journey. Director Bryan Singer
explains: “Going back that far in time
would rip apart the mind of anyone else.
There’s only one person who has the regenerative capabilities to survive
the experience, and that’s Wolverine.
Since he doesn’t age, when Wolverine’s mind travels back to his younger
self, Hugh was able to play both versions of the character. So that was a great opportunity for me and
for Hugh.”
Throughout their
history, Charles Xavier has tried to instill the X-Men philosophy in Logan, and
tried to reach out to him and calm his anger.
In “Days of Future Past,” however, the characters reverse roles. Logan is now the one trying to convince a
younger Charles to have faith.
“It’s a kind of
interesting poetry that plays out between the two,” notes Singer. “In the first ‘X-Men’ film, Xavier helps
Logan find a place in the world among the X-Men. In ‘Days of Future Past,’ Wolverine must travel
back in time and help Xavier put the shattered pieces of his life back
together, and save the future.” It may
be Wolverine’s most difficult mission, for as he says in the movie, “Patience
is not my strongest suit.”
Jackman was glad
to be back on board even though he had completed “The Wolverine” only a few
months before he headed to Montreal to film “X-Men: Days of Future Past.”That
meant that instead of having to get in shape, he would simply have to stay in
shape. Not that his regimen is simple. The actor’s workout program included 45-90
minutes every morning before his hair and makeup call. His diet was also very strict, consisting
mainly of broiled chicken and steamed vegetables. He ate every two hours, often in between
scenes or rehearsals. Before shooting a
specific scene he did a 15-minute extreme “pump up” and finished the day with
another 45 minutes at the gym.
Jackman was
grateful for the opportunity to reunite with Berry, McKellen, and Stewart,with
whom he’s remained friends since their coming together in the first X-Men film,
as well as with Singer, whom Jackman credits for his breakthrough in Hollywood
films. Working with the young cast was
also a treat. During one particularly
telling moment, Jackman was walking down the Blue Hallway set with Nicholas
Hoult, who said, “I remember I was about eight years old when I saw
‘X-Men.’” That moment made Jackman
realize how iconic the X-Men universe has become.
Catch Ayala Cinemas' X-Men: Days Of Future Past” promo:
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