By Yun Suh-young
Hugh Jackman arrived in Seoul on Monday to promote his upcoming action film, "The Wolverine." It was the Australian actor’s fourth visit to the Korean capital, which he had promoted as a goodwill ambassador.
"I’m excited that the world tour (for 'The Wolverine’) is starting here in Korea. I feel great affinity for the people here. I’m always well treated when I come to Korea and always had a great time here,” he said at a news conference.
"Les Miserables was also very well supported here in Korea. I feel close to Korea.”
"The Wolverine,’’ the sixth film made from the X-men franchise, will be open in local theaters on July 25. Seoul was the only Asian city where Jackman has scheduled a news conference during the current promotional tour of the film.
The upcoming movie follows the events of "X-Men: The Last Stand’’ (2006) and Jackman reprises his role as Wolverine as in the previous films. He starred in "X-Men’’ (2000), "X2: X-Men United’’ (2003), "X-Men: The Last Stand’’ (2006), "X-Men Origins: Wolverine’’ (2009) and "X-Men: First Class’’ (2011). Jackman is also signed up for next year’s "X-Men: Days of Future Past,’’ which is close to complete its filming in Montreal.
"The Wolverine’’ is set in Japan where the main character Logan, who is also the Wolverine, confronts the pains of his past and his current enemies.
"This movie takes the most intimate, deep look at the character and you will get to see the human side of him,’’ said Jackman.
"I first read the comic book that inspired this movie 13 years ago. All along, I thought what made Wolverine so interesting was not the superhuman strengths but the more human side of him. The human quality is what really makes him formidable and what fuels him. The pain, loss, loneliness, and burden of being who he is ― I love that comfort within him and being able to explore him.’’
The most spectacular scene to watch in the new movie, Jackman said, involves an adrenaline-packed train scene.
"The bullet train sequence is the most spectacular scene to watch but was most difficult to shoot. It’s very inventive, cool and very real and intense,’’ he said.
"The train sequence had its dangers. We did a lot of rehearsal and a lot of preparation.’’
When asked how he felt about playing the same role for over a decade, Jackman said it was incredible to do it for such a long time.
"It’s hard to believe I've had this incredible role for so long. I love playing Wolverine but I’m enjoying it more now than ever,’’ he said.
"The good thing about playing wolverine for so many years is that I could get all the anger inside of me spent on set. I’m very nice and calm when I get home. I don't take wolverine home.
``It’s also the first American movie I've ever made. I’m grateful for the part. I think it’s one of the most interesting and complex comic book characters out there.’’