Hugh Jackman’s Stunning Vogue Cover With Blake Lively Is The Closest We’ll Get To His James Bond, And I Have Thoughts

Hugh Jackman's Stunning Vogue Cover With Blake Lively Is The Closest We'll Get To His James Bond, And I Have Thoughts

As a gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that Hugh Jackman’s Bond would have been a game-changer for the franchise. I remember the days when I was glued to the screen during the audition process for Casino Royale, hoping against hope that Jackman would snag the role. Alas, fate had other plans and we got Daniel Craig instead – which turned out to be quite the silver lining!


Currently, fans of the James Bond films are in a transition phase, filled with uncertainty as we eagerly anticipate updates about the upcoming installment, James Bond 26. During this waiting period, there’s ample opportunity for discussion, prediction, and reflection on where agent 007 might be headed next. Recently, Hugh Jackman graced the cover of Vogue alongside Blake Lively, offering a glimpse into what his interpretation of Bond could have been; a move that has sparked numerous thoughts in me.

Jackman, Hugh Jackman Dazzles In A Tux For Vogue

As a die-hard fan of Ian Fleming’s James Bond, I can’t help but wonder what could have been if Hugh Jackman had actually stepped into the tuxedo. Known for his gripping portrayal of both Wolverine and Deadpool, Jackman was one of the top contenders for the iconic role throughout the series’ history. And now, my curiosity is piqued once more, thanks to Blake Lively gracing the cover of Vogue, promoting her upcoming film ‘It Ends With Us’. Guess who’s playing her leading man? None other than our very own Jackman!

Directed by the one and only Baz Luhrmann, you can see the results of that shoot below:

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As a fan, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming urge to rush out and grab the latest issue of Vogue. It’s not just the beauty of the magazine that draws me in, but the intriguing thought that Hugh Jackman was once considered for the role of Casino Royale’s leading man! The image becomes even more captivating when Blake Lively appears as if channeling Ursula Andress’ Vesper Lynd from the 1967 parody version of that story.

Hugh Jackman expressed great joy upon receiving the call, much like a person who is delighted as a peach atop a tree when it’s ripe for picking. On his own social media platform, he narrated an account of being recruited into Emily Lively’s Secret Service.

When invited to participate in a Vogue Magazine photo shoot, it’s not a moment for hesitation; you enthusiastically accept! And there was no exception for their September issue. I was thrilled to be alongside my friend, the incredibly creative, intelligent, and gifted Blake Lively. The vision became reality in an almost cinematic experience directed by Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin Designs. The term ‘iconic’ keeps echoing in my mind as I reflect on this incredible event. Many thanks to the talented team of artists who made this dream a reality.

As a lifelong fan of both Alfred Hitchcock and James Bond, I can confidently say that this cover design is more than just a coincidental resemblance to the master of suspense. With my years of immersion in their respective works, it’s clear that this piece draws heavily from Hitchcock’s signature style, while still maintaining the iconic essence of 007.

Hugh Jackman's Stunning Vogue Cover With Blake Lively Is The Closest We'll Get To His James Bond, And I Have Thoughts

I Have Mixed Feelings On Hugh Jackman As Bond

As a lifelong fan of both Hugh Jackman and James Bond, I can confidently say that I wholeheartedly believe that Jackman would have been an exceptional choice to play the iconic role of 007. With his rugged good looks, charisma, and undeniable acting prowess, he has consistently proven himself as a versatile actor who could easily adapt to the world of MI6.

On one hand, it’s difficult to call this instance a completely squandered chance. Hugh Jackman chose to forgo the 007 role because he was dedicated to portraying Wolverine in the X-Men films. As a result, we were rewarded with the Daniel Craig James Bond movies, which took the series to unprecedented heights and kept pushing boundaries until the very end.

If Hugh Jackman had played in Casino Royale instead of his subsequent roles in No Time To Die and Logan, we might never have enjoyed those poignant conclusions for those iconic characters. Given the emotional depth and closure these movies provided, I believe we would have been significantly deprived without experiencing them.

That dose of reality isn’t going to stop me from thinking about an alternate universe where Mr. Jackman is kicking ass and taking names while dressed in the finest fashions. And who knows, maybe he’ll pick up some roles adjacent to that sort of exercise in his career to come. Unless Ryan Reynolds’ prophecy comes true, and Marvel does have the man playing Wolverine until he’s 90.

To experience Hugh Jackman at his finest, tearing things apart like no one else, you can catch him in action by heading to the cinemas for the movie titled “Deadpool & Wolverine“. Alternatively, you can revisit some of his previous adventures via your Disney+ account. There, you’ll find movies such as “Logan“, and the lesser-known gem, “The Wolverine“.

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2024-08-07 18:07