Hugh Jackman thrilled by Blackbeard pirate role in Neverland film

Updated

Hugh Jackman described the experience of playing Blackbeard in Neverland as "just awesome" as he joined co-stars Rooney Mara, Garrett Hedlund and Levi Miller in London's Leicester Square for the film's world premiere.

Jackman plays the sneering, ruthless pirate Blackbeard in the film, which reveals the magical beginnings of the boy who never grew up.

To celebrate Pan's launch Leicester Square's gardens were transformed into a breathtaking Neverland, complete with bright canopies, floral arches, colourful tents and masts and rigging from the deck of the Jolly Roger.

As he strolled the red - in this case blue - carpet Jackman posed for photos with screaming fans.

Describing the experience of filming, he said: "The movie was so much fun and it was like nothing I had really done before because increasingly these movies become more and more green screen.

"We had the biggest set that had ever been built. (Director) Joe Wright said, 'No, I want this set, I want the feel of Neverland, I want the real ships', and we did. These ships moved, and it was crazy."

He added: "You are playing a pirate and you are in Neverland, I mean what's not to like? It was just awesome."

Miller, his young co-star, also admitted to having a slight crush on Mara, who plays Tiger Lily in the film.

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