by In the illustrious career of Hugh Jackman, there have been countless moments that have left audiences in awe of his talent and versatility as an actor. From his iconic portrayal of Wolverine in the X-Men franchise to his captivating performances in musicals like “Les Misérables” and “The Greatest Showman,” Jackman has proven time and again that he can excel in a wide range of roles and genres. However, amidst the myriad of scenes and characters he has brought to life on screen, there is one that stands out as the strangest and most challenging of his career.
In an exclusive interview with Variety, Hugh Jackman unveiled the details of the scene that left an indelible mark on his acting journey—a scene from the 2017 film “Logan.” In this pivotal moment, Jackman’s character, Logan, finds himself in the driver’s seat of a car, with Professor X (played by the legendary Patrick Stewart) as his passenger. The scene is fraught with tension as Logan attempts to navigate the road while simultaneously trying to keep Professor X calm.
What makes this scene truly bizarre is the complex narrative layering within it. Professor X is experiencing the ravages of age and psychic decline, causing him to have a vision of himself as a young man. In this vision, he converses with his younger self, delivering a solemn message about a life-altering mistake that will forever change the course of his existence. The scene requires Jackman to inhabit two distinct mental spaces simultaneously—the harrowing reality of the present and the haunting vision of the past.
As Jackman described it, the scene was incredibly challenging to film because it demanded an exceptional level of emotional depth and technical skill. He had to convey the desperation and determination of Logan as he swerved through the treacherous terrain while also portraying the vulnerability and anguish of Professor X as he grappled with his own inner demons. It was a delicate balancing act that required Jackman to tap into the essence of both characters simultaneously.
In his own words, Jackman revealed, “The strangest scene I’ve ever filmed was in ‘Logan.’ It’s the scene where I’m driving a car with Patrick Stewart in the passenger seat, and he’s starting to lose his mind. He’s having a vision of himself as a young man, and he’s telling him that he’s going to make a mistake that will change the course of his life forever.”
The logistical challenges of shooting such a scene are evident. Jackman had to physically drive the car, maintain focus on the road, and execute the scene’s action sequences—all while emotionally connecting with Patrick Stewart, who was portraying a character in the throes of a psychic crisis. The intensity of the moment, combined with the emotional depth required, left Jackman feeling physically and mentally drained after the filming process.
However, despite the challenges, Jackman also expressed immense pride in the scene’s final outcome. He believed that the collaborative effort between himself and Patrick Stewart had resulted in a powerful and emotionally resonant moment on screen. It was a testament to their dedication as actors and their commitment to delivering authentic performances that touched the hearts of audiences.
“The scene was very challenging to film because I had to be in two different places at the same time. I had to be driving the car and keeping an eye on the road, but I also had to be interacting with Patrick Stewart. The scene was also very emotional and intense,” Jackman recounted.
“Logan,” directed by James Mangold, was a departure from the typical superhero fare, offering a darker and more introspective take on the character of Wolverine. Jackman’s portrayal of Logan in this film earned critical acclaim and showcased the depth of his acting abilities. The scene in question, with its complex emotional dynamics and unique narrative structure, was a pivotal moment in the film that showcased Jackman’s dedication to his craft.
The strangeness of the scene, with its melding of past and present, reality and vision, added a layer of complexity that elevated it beyond typical superhero movie fare. It was a testament to the filmmakers’ willingness to explore the psychological and emotional aspects of these iconic characters, allowing for a deeper and more resonant storytelling experience.
In hindsight, “Logan” marked the end of an era for Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine, a character he had embodied for nearly two decades. The film provided a fitting and emotional conclusion to the character’s arc, and the scene in question played a significant role in delivering that emotional impact to audiences.
As Jackman reflected on the scene, he summed it up succinctly, “But it’s one of my favorite scenes in the film. I’m proud of the work that Patrick and I did, and I think the scene is very powerful.”
The strangest scenes in cinema often leave a lasting impression precisely because they challenge the boundaries of storytelling and performance. They push actors to explore uncharted territory, both in terms of character development and emotional depth. For Hugh Jackman, the scene in “Logan” represented a pinnacle of his acting career—a moment where he had to navigate the surreal and the emotional simultaneously, delivering a performance that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
In the world of superhero cinema, where spectacle often takes center stage, it is the moments of vulnerability and introspection that stand out as truly memorable. Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine in “Logan” provided one such moment—a scene that transcended the genre’s conventions and left an indelible mark on the actor’s career. It serves as a reminder that, even in the world of mutants and superpowers, it is the human elements of storytelling that resonate most deeply with audiences.
