10 Unknown Actors Who Kicked Serious Ass In Major Films

2. Hugh Jackman - X-Men

It's hard to imagine that nobody knew international superstar Hugh Jackman before his role as comic-book legend Wolverine. Casting such an unknown in such a well-known role was a gamble from Bryan Singer. Jackman was 32 years old when the call came for him to bulk up and don the claws and without a big hit in his six years of experience prior, there were questions raised as to the Australian's capabilities to carry the franchise. Instead, Jackman's done more than anyone could have expected. With X-Men: Days Of Future Passed hitting our screens later this year, it'll be the 45 year olds 7th outing as the sharp-fisted superhero. More than any of the other X-Men cast, it goes to show Jackman's popularity with the fans. That two of the seven Wolverine appearances have seen the character move away from the shadow of the other iconic roles in the series; Professor X, Magneto et cetera €“ it shows that Hollywood have great faith in Jackman as a leading man. Perhaps had he not had such acting heavyweights in the form of Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart already lined up, Singer might not have gambled on Jackman and the world would now be blissfully unaware of an actor who's had such a successful career as a result.