Las Vegas Weekly

May 5, 2009 · 6:26 AM

Hugh Jackman says ‘I’m thrilled for Wolverine’ as wax figure is unveiled

By Robin Leach

Wolverine (portrayed by Hugh Jackman in the X-Men films) at Madame Tussauds in The Venetian.

Photo: Connie Palen

The timing was perfect! Just as X-Men Origins: Wolverine clawed its way onto 4,099 movie screens across America and took in an $87 million box office haul as the No. 1 weekend movie, Madame Tussauds here at The Venetian unveiled its newest wax model.

Wolverine, the beloved mutant from Marvel Comics -- played by Australian actor, People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive and recent Oscar host Hugh Jackman -- was given pride of place in the storied ranks of famous wax figures at the museum.

Originally, we had all hoped Las Vegas could land the world premiere for Wolverine, but that honor went to Tempe, Ariz., and we made due with the wax works! However, it’s the only Madame Tussauds-made figure in the world, and it’s here for a limited engagement before moving on to other M.T. museums.

Hugh sent a message to fans: “I’m thrilled for Wolverine that he’s getting immortalized. When I was a very young kid, my very first trip overseas from Australia was to London, and I will never forget my visit to Madame Tussauds there. I remember hanging out there and never wanted to leave. So I think fans of Wolverine have to go to Madame Tussauds to see him. It’s so lifelike, you will expect it to jump at you and slice you in half. That’s very cool.”

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

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