Anna Paquin has nothing but praise for her X-Men co-star, Hugh Jackman, who is set to return as Wolverine in the third Deadpool installment. The actress, who starred as Rogue in the franchise, calls Jackman “a good role model” and said that the actor stayed the same even after decades since the first film graced theaters back in 2000.
“I think I was going into my senior year, so I was 17. And it was totally different, and so much fun,” Paquin told People. “I hadn’t grown up a comic book person and it already had a gigantic following so I did my research obviously. When you’re in something with that type of fanbase, you have to show respect.”
The first X-Men film marked Paquin’s first major role after starring in a slew of independent films in the 1990s. The actress went on to star as Marie (known to many as Rogue) in four X-Men movies, including X2: X-Men United (2003) and X-Men: The Last Stand (2006). She also made a brief appearance in the 2014 X-Men: Days of Future Past and the film’s expanded version called “The Rogue Cut.”
Anna Paquin says Hugh Jackman is a “good role model”
Wolverine and Rogue have formed a special bond in the film franchise. At some point, Wolverine served not only as Rogue’s friend but also her paternal-figure, having helped her navigate her early days as a student at Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters.
It’s no secret that the Wolverine character has helped Jackman’s career soar to greater heights. But despite “the big things” that transpired after starring as the fan-favorite mutant for decades, Jackman stayed just as kind according to Paquin.
“That was the role that really turned him into a humungous, gigantic movie star, and it couldn’t have happened to a more lovely guy. There are those people you meet and you think, ‘They couldn’t possibly be that nice,’ and then they are,” said Paquin.
“And he’s exactly the same, as far as I can tell,” she continued. “He’s one of those people who’s a good role model for how to conduct yourself in this world. You can be all the big things and you can still be kind, be human, know what matters.”
Paquin can next be seen starring as Ella in the upcoming drama film A Bit of Light, set to hit cinemas on April 5. Deadpool 3, meanwhile, hits theaters on July 26.
