Hugh Jackman believes that Heath Ledger would have made a terrific Wolverine.
During a discussion with Yahoo Movies , Jackman, who has played the character over seven films since 2000’s X-Men , stated that he thought his fellow Australian would have been a great replacement for him.
Jackman admitted, “Originally, when I played it [first], when he was alive, God rest his sole, I thought Heath Ledger could be a good young version of [Wolverine].”
Tragically, Ledger died in 2008 at the paltry age of 28, from an accidental drug overdose. However, before he perished, Ledger was able to cement his place in comic-book film history thanks to memorable portrayal of The Joker in Christopher Nolan’s, The Dark Knight. His performance in the sequel was so achingly iconic that it landed him a posthumous Best Supporting Oscar, while it is also regarded as one of the finest villainous portrayals in cinematic history.
Since Ledger isn’t around to play the character now though, Jackman does have another suggestion for who could replace him in the part: “Will Ferrell.”
However, Michael Fassbender, who actually posed the question to his X-Men: Days Of Future Past co-star, also has a recommendation too, as he revealed that he thinks “Brad Pitt” would make a pretty nifty mutant.
Jackman also admitted that it “would be a little weird” to see someone else playing Logan up on the big screen, but he understands that it has to happen at some point. Jackman recently confirmed that he was having some doubts about returning to the character for another solo Wolverine film.
The 45-year-old told Vanity Fair last December: “I don’t know whether or not I will do this next movie. I am really proud of this movie and I am excited to develop something with Jim Mangold from the beginning because that is a great ride. That’s exciting, to see what we come up with but I have a very high expectation of what it would need to be [for me to star in it] and if it doesn’t reach those, I won’t be doing it.”
Fox have since announced plans for a third Wolverine film, but they have yet to confirm whether Jackman will reprise the role which has become synonymous with his name. However, it’s believed that he will eventually sign up for it.
Jackman will next be seen as the character in X-Men: Days Of Future Past , which will see him trying to change history and prevent an event that could kill millions of humans and mutants. It’s set to be released on 23 May, 2014.