He Turned Down James Bond

In a promotional interview for his 2017 film, The Greatest Showman, Jackman shared the tale. He asserted that in 2002, his agency had contacted and asked if he would be interested in portraying Bond. The timing was significant. Die Another Day, which received harsh criticism in part because it relied on unbelievable technology and situations, was the last of Pierce Brosnan's four films in the role. This includes an invisible car from Q, an ice fortress used by criminals, a surfboard he used to sneak into North Korea, and more. Additionally, he has his own preferences, and the realism-based approach that the James Bond films have taken does not match with them. Hugh remarked that the writings were "so absurd and insane" that is why he declined the part. They are too far away, in other terms.

He also shared that a few times before the start of filming for X2: X-Men United, the celebrity was contacted about playing 007 in the movie. Jackman looked the part and had the physical skills necessary to take on the often demanding productions. Regardless, he declined them, and Bond went to Daniel Craig in their place. In the end, it was beneficial for both franchises and, consequently, for cinema as a whole.