Hugh Jackman star of Reel Steel interview!

 

Who knew robots were good at sports? Hugh Jackman certainly does in his cool, new film Reel Steel out in cinemas now! NG KIDS catches up with the Australian actor to find out all about this futuristic film, Reel Steel…

NG Kids What went through your mind when you read the script to Reel Steel for the first time?

Hugh Jackman When I first read the script to Reel Steel, I fell in love with the story. It’s not just a movie about big boxing robots; it’s the story of a father and a son. I really related to that.

NGK Are you a lover or a fighter?

Hugh I’m way more a lover than a fighter. I didn’t get into fights at school, but I did have a short fuse. I played rugby when I was growing up, and that was my release. It was great. I fought a lot on the pitch, but nowhere else!

NGK Were you interested in boxing before you started work on the movie?

Hugh My dad is English. He was the army champion in boxing so I grew up hearing a lot about the sport. It was always taught to me as a very honourable kind of sport, not a bloodthirsty sport – and I have always loved it.

NGK Did you do much training for the role?

Hugh I had to learn how to box, which was very interesting. The producers brought in a boxing champion called Sugar Ray Leonard to teach me how to throw a punch. He was amazing to work with.

NGK What attracted you to this role?

Hugh I’m a big sports fan, so I was fascinated by the thought of creating a movie about robot boxing. It’s also a feel-good movie and it was something different from what I’ve done before.

NGK How much fun did you have shooting the movie?

Hugh I had loads of fun shooting Reel Steel. I think it’s great, and I loved the idea of the time period being not too far in the future. It’s a future that is seemingly accessible to us.

NGK What’s your favourite sport?

Hugh I love all sports, but boxing is up there. In fact, one of my favourite movies of all time is the first Rocky film. I also love rugby, but I prefer to watch Australian rules football. That’s a better spectator sport than rugby. However, cricket is my number sport. I love cricket.

NGK Is your son into sports too?

Hugh Not at all. My son couldn’t care less about sport! The only time I can get him to watch any sport is if it’s bedtime and I say to him, “The NBA finals are on. Do you want to stay up and watch?” He pretends to be interested so that he can stay up late.

NGK What is your son into?

Hugh He loves music and he loves the atmosphere of the theatre. I think he’s going to become a theater rat in some way. He loves it. We were in a theatre recently when he said to me, “I love this place. I love the corridors and I like people talking and running around.” He loves being backstage, so he’s got the bug in some way, shape or form.

NGK You sing, dance and act – and you’re known all over the world. Is there anything that you cannot do?

Hugh Oh, yes! There are many things I cannot do. For starters, I am the world’s worst handyman. As my wife says, the only thing handy about me is the fact that I’m close by.

NGK Are you a good cook?

Hugh I can cook; it’s true. I cook breakfast every Sunday morning, and it’s always usually pancakes. But that’s about it.

NGK And finally, how do you like to unwind after a long day at work?

Hugh Watching sport is a good way to unwind, but the best way is to meditate. I’m really into meditation. I meditate at the beginning of the day and at the end of the day – and there is no better way to unwind than that. It’s bliss.

Catch Real Steel in cinemas now, gang!


To celebrate the release of knockout blockbusterReel Steel, we’re giving five lucky winners the chance to win a Reel Steel goodie bag – including a hooded jumper, sailor bag and water bottle! For a chance to win, just click on competition@ngkids.co.uk and answer this question:



Q: What do boxers fight in?

1. A square
2. A triangle
3. A ring

Mark your email "REEL STEEL" in the subject line and remember to include your name, age, address and phone number on your entry. Competition closes on 21 November.

Check out our other cool competitions:

  1. WIN! A safari adventure with Robinson's Fruit Shoot!
  2. WIN! A Nintendo DS with Zoroark: Master Of Illusions!
  3. WIN! Ben 10: Ultimate Alien, Vol 2: Hero Time prizes!
  4. WIN! Glee The 3D Concert Movie goodies!
  5. WIN! The International Photography Competition 2011 For Kids!

     

(c) DreamWorks II Dist

NG Kids Terms & Conditions

National Geographic Kids competitions are open to residents of the UK, Eire and the Channel Islands, except employees of Attic Media Network, National Geographic Society, and their families, or any associated companies. National Geographic Kids will not share your personal details with third parties. Only one competition entry per person. Winners will be the first correct entries drawn after the closing dates. The editor’s decision is final. Entrants to National Geographic Kids competitions must be 16 or under. No purchase necessary. No responsibility can be taken for entries lost or damaged in transit. National Geographic Kids will not enter into any correspondence. All winners will be notified accordingly and their names and addresses will be available on request. No cash alternative for any prizes will be offered. The winner may be required to partake in media activity relating to the competition. National Geographic Kids may wish to contact you in the future.

Words: Adam Tanswell