Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Although Hugh Jackman has now become synonymous with Marvel’s Wolverine, after spending the majority of his career playing the clawed mutant, there’s no denying that the actor has proved his acting chops in other iconic projects. FromLes MisérablestoThe Fountain, Jackman has appeared in a few critically acclaimed projects that have changed his career trajectory forever.
Speaking withVanity Fair, Hugh Jackman thus reflected on how his 2006 collaboration with Rachel Weisz and filmmaker Darren Aronofsky inThe Fountainchanged his career. Addressing the complexities of the film, Jackman admitted that the movie wasn’t made for all. Yet, the actor appreciated people’s enthusiasm for the film, who sat through it and understood the deeper meaning.
Hugh Jackman Recalled the Surprising Impact ofThe Fountainon His Celebrated Career
Hugh Jackman may be best known for his iconic role as Wolverine, but the multifaceted actor has taken on a variety of challenges throughout his career. One of the standout projects that reshaped his trajectory was his2006 filmThe Fountain, starring Rachel Weisz, directed by the visionary Darren Aronofsky. During a conversation withVanity Fair, Jackman thus shared his thoughts on the film’s complexities and its profound influence on his career.
Know More About Hugh Jackman’s More Than a Decade-Long Battle With Skin Cancer: What Is Basal Cell Carcinoma?
Addressing how Darren Aronofsky’s ambitious project dealt with themes of love, mortality, and the quest for eternal life, Hugh Jackman acknowledged thatThe Fountainwasn’t designed as a typical crowd-pleaser. Further, reflecting on how he played three distinct characters,alongside Rachel Weisz‘s three respective characters, each of them navigating their own existential journey, Jackman highlighted how the film came as a turning point in his career.
It was a real turning point for me as an actor. I think maybe from the theater, the idea of working with a director on something is important to me. And you don’t always get that in film. Sometimes it’s very removed, actually. And we spent all that time before, not only getting to know each other, it felt like we were going into battle together.
And I have had, and still have, an immense trust and honesty with Darren about everything, to the point where Darren would often be right next to the camera while we were shooting. It made me realize how much I want and rely on strength, vision, collaborators, people to help guide me that I can trust. And the experience confirmed to me that was the way I should go.
During his interview alongsideDarren Aronofsky, the actor credited his role inThe Fountainwith helping him shed the limitations of his previous work. Discussing how the film allowed him to showcase his range and depth as an actor, Jackman expressed hisgratitude towards the filmmakerfor the opportunity. Perhaps, the experience taught him to take risks, something that came in handy inLes Misérables(2012) and the surreal journey inPrisoners(2013).
Hugh Jackman Acknowledged a Handful of People’s Enthusiasm for Rachel Weisz’s Movie
Meanwhile, after Hugh Jackman mentioned how the film changed his career trajectory and influenced his performance there onwards, the actor also acknowledged thatThe Fountainwasn’t designed for mass appeal. Addressing howDarren Aronofsky’s filmwasn’t meant to dominate the box office but leave an indelible mark on those who saw it, Jackman fondly recalled the fervent discussions and excitement among viewers who watched it.
Hugh Jackman’s Net Worth in 2025: Wolverine Actor’s Net Worth Has Only Skyrocketed in Recent Years
After the filmmaker Darren Aronofsky admitted that he was stopped and thanked by a cancer patient who watchedThe Fountain, while his parents struggled to dissect the deeper meaning behind it, evenHugh Jackmannoted that a handful of people truly resonated with the film’s themes. Therefore, the actor appreciated the passion of viewers who took the time to peel its layers and unveil the insight.
When my dad was going through one of his rounds of cancer, we were up at Sloan Kettering, and we were in the waiting room. And there was a guy about my age, probably a bit younger than me, who’s in a wheelchair, and he had two teenage girls and his wife was there. And he recognized me, and he said, “Are you Darren?” I said, “Yes.” He basically said that The Fountain helped him figure out his life and his death. He got all emotional. And it was interesting for my parents who never really quite got that one.Aronofsky noted.
When people stop me, it’s the most passionate response of any movie I’ve done. The ones who get it, have to tell me, and they have to tell me fully what it meant to them.Jackman added.
Eventually, Hugh Jackman’s collaboration withRachel Weisz, set against the backdrop of Darren Aronofsky’s stunning visuals, created a mesmerizing narrative that sparked conversations among people who sat through the film, long after the credits rolled.The Fountainthus became proof of Jackman’s versatility and his true range as an actor, even though audiences primarily associated him with his Marvel character.
The Fountainis currently available to watch on Prime Video.
Krittika Mukherjee
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3218
Krittika Mukherjee is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on films, TV shows, and celebrity news with over 3,000 articles published. With an educational background in Journalism, and a keen interest in filmmaking, Krittika blends factual precision with creative flair, when crafting her editorials, or dissecting fan theories.Her coverage often includes news and analyses of critically acclaimed films, celebrity news, and franchises like the Wizarding World, LOTR, DC, and MCU—particularly Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Superheroes, and fan theories. As a Wizarding World aficionado, Krittika has spent countless hours exploring hidden backstories, unadapted book moments, spells, and trivias surrounding J.K. Rowling’s lore.An imaginative writer with a way with words, Krittika has worked as an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a web content writer for a year. She brought her experience and expertise to FandomWire to pursue her desire for sipping coffee while dissecting films and tracking celebrity drama.
