10 Riskiest Upcoming Casting Choices (And Why They Will Work)
8. Hugh Jackman - Blackbeard
The Risk
As far as Hugh Jackman goes, Pan's Blackbeard is something of a sharp left turn for the Aussie actor. Eccentric, ostentatious, and showy, this Blackbeard would perhaps be a tour de force for more accomplished 'quirky' actors such as Jim Carrey, Sam Rockwell, or even (lord help us) Nic Cage, yet just feels at first glance to be so at odds with the Hugh Jackman we are familiar with.
Completely polarising his most famous role as X-Men's Wolverine, Jackman's theatrical approach to Pan's big bad smacks a little of overcorrection - namely, distancing himself as much as possible from his pigeon-holed image as the gruff, shouty action hero. Such u-turns are not uncommon in Hollywood, but is Jackman just too far gone at this point?
The Reward
We do not need more Wolverines.
Jackman has an impressive (if drawn out) legacy as the Marvel mutant, but it is an unwelcome typecast for an actor that has much more to offer. His turns in Chappie, Prisoners, and Real Steel all bear too much of a rage-filled resemblance to his most defining role. A notable change (appearance and all) could provoke a Renaissance of sorts, as Jackman looks to wind down his X-Men days.
Besides anything, judging from the trailers alone, it seems as if Jackman has thrown his everything into this role. Though brief, the footage that has been released shows the Aussie to be an unrelenting ball of energy in the role, with commitment abound. He's going to have fun with this, and the signs are good that that can transfer across to the audience.