Russell Crowe turned down Hugh Jackman's Wolverine part in the X-Men movies, though recommended the Australian star for the role. Crowe had just finished Gladiator and opted to work with Ron Howard on A Beautiful Mind - a film that scooped multiple Oscars including an acting nomination for Crowe.

In an interview with Australian radio station Triple M 104.9FM (via Yahoo), Jackman explained, "Bryan Singer asked Rusty to do Wolverine, and he said, 'Nah mate I've just done 'Gladiator', it's not for me but you should look at this guy..." Luckily, Crowe appeared to be right on the money with his endorsement, as Jackman's portrayal was a huge hit with movie fans. He's since appeared as the clawed mutant three times, with a second X-Men spin-off 'The Wolverine' due out in July 2012. Crowe and Jackman have been good friends for many years, and the X-Men star said, "He's a great guy in every way, I have so much time for him and to watch him work, everyone says he is a great actor, when you actually get to work with someone like that... He's that good when it matters, in that moment, in that close up tough moment, you just sit back and watch you know someone's got that confidence and is going to deliver. I learnt a lot from him."

2013 is likely to be a big year for both stars, with Jackman appearing in the forthcoming musical-drama Les Miserables (as is Crowe) as well as The Wolverine and thriller The Prisoner with Jake Gyllenhaal. Crowe is shooting the fantasy Winter's Tale, Superman flick Man of Steel and his Oscar tipped blockbuster Noah.