Hugh Jackman Says His Role In The Son Changed His Approach To Parenting

Hugh Jackman is returning to the big screen later this year with his role in The Son. The story will follow Jackman’s character, Peter, as his hectic life with his new partner (Vanessa Kirby) and their baby is thrown into disarray by the arrival of his ex-wife (Laura Dern) and their teenage son, Nicholas (Zen McGrath). Clearly, the 53-year-old actor will be in the father figure role for more than one person in The Son with a newborn and a teenage son. This dynamic allowed Jackman to reflect on his own parenting style outside the film.

According to reports from Deadline, the star told the Venice press corps that the film changed how he approached raising his own kids. He says, “but certainly since this movie, I’ve changed my approach.”

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Florian Zeller directs the picture, whose previous work includes The Father, of which The Son is a prequel. The film is based on a 2018 stage play titled Le Fils from Zeller. The filmmaker reiterated Jackman’s statement, noting how difficult it can be to make the right choices as a parent.

“For many, many years as a parent the job was to appear strong and dependable and never worried and I don’t want to burden my children. But certainly since this movie I’ve changed my approach. I share my vulnerabilities more with my 17- and 22-year-old and I see their relief when I do.”

The Father won two Academy Awards when the film was released in 2020, and Zeller and the rest of the crew are hoping for similar results. The Son stars Vanessa Kirby, Anthony Hopkins, Laura Dern, Zen McGrath, and William Hope alongside Hugh Jackman. Christopher Hampton wrote the screenplay with Zeller and worked with the filmmaker/playwright on The Father, where he received an Oscar. In addition, Hampton has worked on projects such as Atonement and Dangerous Liaisons. The Son will release on Nov. 11 in New York and Los Angeles before broadening its reach across the United States. The film will also be available in select international markets.

“We all share the same dilemma. It is so difficult to make the right decision as a parent. In this situation they make the wrong decision thinking they can fix it by themselves… There is a moment when it’s okay to accept being powerless and impotent.”