Hugh Jackman Finds 'Steel' At ComicCon

Although Hugh Jackman recently appeared onscreen for the fifth time as the superhero Wolverine in the world wide hit film franchise X-Men, the Australian actor showed up yesterday at the 2011 ComicCon in San Diego to promote his upcoming film Real Steel. Jackman was accompanied by two of his co-stars, giant metal robots that play boxers in this futuristic thriller.

Though Real Steel contains elements of science fiction, Jackman told the audience at ComicCon he was drawn to the film’s human element. He compared the film to Chariots of Fire and Rocky, saying that growing up he loved films like those that fused sport and emotion. “Now I’m so excited because I’m in one of those movies,” he said.

Real Steel is the story of an ex-boxer (Jackman) who becomes involved in the world of robot boxing as a trainer. “The world of human boxing is being superseded by robots who bo," 'Jackman said. "They’re badass. They’re unbelievable." However, when his son shows up on his doorstep, the two embark on an adventure with the world of the robot boxers.

Jackman is best known for his multiple portrayals of Wolverine in the X-Men movies. The first film, X-Men, opened in 2000. In 2009, Jackman’s character was the focus of the fourth installment, X-Men Origins: Wolverine. A sequel for that film is in the works, even after Black Swan director Darren Aronofsky pulled out of the project. However, Jackman still plans to move forward with the film revealing to fans at ComicCon that the villain of the upcoming sequel would be The Silver Samurai. Filming commences in October with much of the shooting taking place in Japan.

Watch Hugh Jackman at ComicCon: