Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Hugh Jackman is synonymous with his role as Wolverine in theX-Menfranchise produced by Fox Studios. The Bryan Singer-directed franchise is credited in many ways to have pushed the industry to take superhero films seriously and may just be responsible for universes such as the MCU and DCU to exist.
However, the legacy of the franchise has been tainted after numerous se*ual misconduct allegations were made against Singer. Several men, who were reportedly minors at the time, came out to accuse theBohemian Rhapsodydirector of misconduct. A fewX-Menactors too spoke about his behavior. However, Hugh Jackman, who will be returning as Wolverine, chose to take a neutral stance on the issue.
TheX-MenFranchise’s Bryan Singer Problem
TheX-Menfilms were lauded as some of the best superhero films ever made and were reportedly instrumental in the emergence of serious superhero films such asThe Dark Knighttrilogy and the MCU. However, the legacy of the franchise has been tainted since directorBryan Singerwas accused of se*ual misconduct by several men. The victims were reportedly minors when Singer misbehaved with them.
After the allegations surfaced, Bryan Singer was fired from his directorial duties in the filmBohemian Rhapsody. Though he still retained the credit, Dexter Fletcher reportedly finished filming the biopic and finished the film. Singer also lost his credit from the production ofDark Phoenix, the last film in theX-Menfranchise.
“I’ve done some damage”: Hugh Jackman Blames His Wolverine Role for Doing Irreparable Damage to His Body That Will Affect His Future Roles
More allegations of bullying and problematic behavior were brought forth by people who were on the sets of theX-Menfilms. Producer Ralph Winter spoke of Singer’s constant partying and absences, while other executives mentioned how forgiving Hollywood was of directors who gave blockbuster hits. In an article byThe Hollywood Reporter, an executive stated,
“His behavior was poor on the movie. We accommodated him on the first movie, and therefore we can accommodate him on the second movie. And on and on. And it created a monster.”
Many conversations about Singer’s behavior and misuse of his power have been brought up in the media since the allegations came out. The article also pointed out many problematic issues that Singer did on the sets ofX-Menas he was given free rein due to his success as a director.
“I don’t like all these secrets”: X-Men: Days of Future Past Launched the ‘Kingsman’ Franchise Only To Have Its Lead Star Become Fan-Favorite Wolverine Successor
Hugh Jackman Gave a Diplomatic Response About Bryan Singer
ActorHugh Jackmanhad his Hollywood breakthrough when he starred as Logan a.k.a Wolverine inX-Men. The Australian actor was a relative unknown back then, appearing only in a few Australian films and shows, and on stage. He was reportedly recommended by fellow Australian actor Russell Crowe, who was tapped to play the superhero.
Though his casting was initially met with opposition due to his height, Jackman was welcomed with open arms after the release ofX-Men, which was a huge commercial success. The actor went on to appear in nine films and played the role for seventeen years. While he retired in 2017 afterLogan, he announced his return with the upcoming filmDeadpool 3.
Bryan Singer Left X-Men: The Last Stand to Direct $391M DC Movie That Became a Planetary Level Flop
Bryan Singer directed four films in theX-Menfranchise including some of its best-rated films such asX-Men, X2,andX-Men: Days of Future Past. Actor Hugh Jackman also owed his success to the films and the decision by Singer to cast him in the films. While many actors from theX-Menfilms, such as Halle Berry,have come out and spoken about Singer’s on-set behavior, Hugh Jackman seemed to have a neutral stance.
In an interview withThe Guardian, Hugh Jackman said,
“This was my first movie in America, you gotta understand; it was all so new to me. I think it’s fair to say that there are some stories, you know … I think there are some ways of being on set that would not happen now…I don’t know how to elegantly answer that. I think it’s complex and ultimately I look back with pride at what we’ve achieved and what momentum that started.”
The actor went on to deflect the question by talking about how problematic behaviors such as bullying, mistreatment, and “oppressive” behavior would not fly on sets these days. However, he went on to credit theX-Menfranchise for changing the way comic-book films were made.
Nishanth A
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2415
Nishanth A is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on TV shows with over 2,000 articles published. He has been an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a scriptwriter at various corporations before that, working on educational content. With a Communications, English Literature, and Psychology triple major, Nishanth usually covers news and analyses on Star Trek, particularly Strange New Worlds and The Next Generation; Doctor Who, the DCU, and more.A Nolan fan, Nishanth spends his time exploring the filmographies of various directors with an auteurial style or can be found making short movies of his own. He has also contributed as a feature writer for Film Companion, focusing on the South division.
