Welcome to the Shrine to Actors

  Tonight we have Part II of the Hugh Jackman, Wolverine X-men series. This time we have Wolverine’s introduction to Jean Grey (the lovely Famke Janssen), which no doubt doesn’t go exactly as she planned. It’s also impressive that after his attack on her–and his feeling that he was being attacked–it didn’t put a damper on the sexual tension between them later on. I guess even mutants have pheremones. Of course, Jean Grey of all people knows how unpredictable a mutant and their powers can be, so it follows that she could remain pragmatic about the whole thing.

Let’s face it, though, what the scene really boils down to is pretty doctor lady and sexy shirtless man. Enjoy!

We start out with Wolverine on the examining table, unconscious…
(*Click* pics for larger versions*)

Jean Grey examines her patient…

I love how sensual it is as she strokes her hand down his arm and over his hand–sure, she’s checking for wounds from his knives, but perhaps there’s a bit more to it?

Showing off her mental abilities…

Wolverine does not like getting jabbed with needles. I don’t blame him. Check out how terrified Grey is as lunges for her throat…

The wild Wolverine is dangerous even without using his claws…

He escapes into a mysterious network of hallways…

Watch the pecs bulge as he takes off the sensors…

He hears voices whispering from all directions…

Then spots something strange…

I love how he’s reflected over all three suits…

Darn it, he’s found the sweatshirts…

But at least he knows how to still show a little skin for the girls…

Hope you enjoyed more of the shirtless Wolverine. There’s actually plenty more where that came from. You’d think they knew what female viewers wanted or something…

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Hugh Jackman Wolverine and Famke Janssen Jean Grey screencaps, c2000 20th Century Fox.

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In honor of Hugh’s upcoming film X-Men Origins: Wolverine, here are some screencaps of our first introduction to the character in the original X-men film. I remember thinking that they’d gotten too skinny of a guy for the role, and too young. Sure, he was good-looking, and they got the crazy hair right, but was he Wolverine?

It turns out that Hugh Jackman brought to the role what it really needed–heart. Sure, Wolverine is big and strong and pissed off, but he’s hiding lots of pain, confusion, and alienation. Jackman gives us all the toughness on the surface, with the vulnerability subtly percolating underneath. The X-men movie gives us the perfect introduction to the Wolverine character, opening in a seedy bar in a dinky town in Canada with Wolverine fighting cage matches. He’s instantly established as the toughest and meannest guy in the room, and he’s unloved by all the spectators for his never-ending winning streak.

His introduction to Rogue shows what we expect is perhaps the first spark of humanity he’s felt in a long time.

Our first view of Wolverine in the literal and symbolic cage.

Showing off his wilder side…and rippling muscles…and tight pants…

At the bar, with his trademark cigar…keeping an eye on the mysterious Rogue…

As he looks at the TV, she sneaks a glance at him…

When Wolverine is attacked, the claws come out–literally.

Did I mention the tight pants? And yes, he actually growls here…

He can kill them both in an instant, but Rogue is watching…

He backs off. He’s pent-up, angry, and very very sexy.

Rogue stows away in his trailer, but he finds her and leaves her on the side of the road.

But she’s already gotten to those hidden inner layers…

He lets her in the truck, and it’s obvious she hasn’t eaten a while…

He sizes her up, and the gloves and cloak and all…

One of the strongest moments in the film:

Rogue: When they come out, does it hurt?

Wolverine: …Every time.

Rogue proves she can be just as ornery as Wolverine…

…and gets almost a smile. Almost.

There is so much lovely Hugh Jackman screencap potential in these films, especially for gorgeous shirtless Wolverine stills. So you’ll probably see more from X-men soon.

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Hugh Jackman Wolverine and Anna Paquin Rogue screencaps, X-men, c2000 20th Century Fox.
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X-men movies, soundtracks, and games from Buy.com.