Jackman ‘sorry’ for taking Scott’s Wolverine role

IT is a role that catapulted him to worldwide fame.

But Hugh Jackman’s star turn as superhero Wolverine only came after Scots actor Dougray Scott was forced to turn it down.

And while the Australian has gone on to enjoy a glittering career, including an Oscar nomination, it would be fair to say Fife-born Scott has not enjoyed quite the same success.

Now Jackman, 49, has revealed he apologised to his fellow actor after the Wolverine franchise went global.

Scott, 51, from Glenrothes, was forced to give up his role after shooting of his other film, Mission: Impossible 2, alongside Tom Cruise, was delayed.

Jackman has since gone on to appear in nine X-Men movies and Wolverine pictures, including the most recent, Logan, which also stars Patrick Stewart and Dafne Keen and is tipped for Academy Awards. Scott’s career in the meantime has included Desperate Housewives, Doctor Who and Fear the Walking Dead.

Jackman said he was impressed by the Scot’s gracious attitude when they bumped into each other at an industry event.

He said: ‘I met him early on and I said to him, “Man, I am sorry”. He said, “It’s just business, but you have just gotten one of the greatest roles out there, so go crush it”.’

The Australian, who until Wolverine was best known for his roles on the stage, added: ‘I just remember being so impressed by that and his class, and hopefully I am a big enough guy that, when someone else takes over, I will do exactly what was done to me and I feel glad to just be a part of the legacy of that character.

‘I feel great parts – great characters – outlive the actors that play them. Bond, Superman, Batman.’

Scott previously said there are no hard feelings, adding: ‘I like Hugh. He’s a really lovely guy. It wasn’t as if he stole it off me... my movie ran over and I had to pull out. It wasn’t his fault and he did a fantastic job.’