While Hugh Jackman had been busy beefing up and growing his sideburns in preparation for The Wolverine, the departure of director Darren Aronofsky means production on that film has had to be delayed, probably until next year. Realising that, Deadline reports that Universal has offered Hugh’s been offered the Huntsman role in Snow White and the Huntsman, opposite Kristen Stewart and Charlize Theron.
It isn’t known if Jackman will accept the role or not, but it seems Universal is exploiting the opening in the actor’s schedule to try and ensure a mainstream leading man for the movie. Viggo Mortensen was previously set to play The Huntsman, but he dropped out after contract negotiations broke down. It seems a rewrite on Snow White and the Huntsman, which he isn’t in favor of, was the main factor behind the decision, so he’s apparently opted to star in the Spanish-language movie Todos tenemos un plan instead.
Director Rupert Sanders is set to direct, with production starting in mid-September. To be honest, Hugh’s probably better for this sort of film that Viggo, who can be a bit serious for his own good when it comes to mainstream movies. However we’ll have to wait and see whether the Aussie actor takes the role.