Hugh Jackman transforms himself for 'Pan' movie

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Hugh Jackman is taking a trip to Neverland in the new movie "Pan."

The film, the latest adaptation of J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan story, held a premiere in Mexico City Tuesday night.

Jackman says the best message of this movie is believe in yourself and all of life's possibilities, hopes and adventures.

Transforming himself for a role is nothing new to Jackman. The man who spent years stepping in and out of his Wolverine alter ego is now almost unrecognizable as Blackbeard in the new adventure film "Pan."

Jackman says his final look for the character was an evolution and a blast.

"I was shaving my head, the long beard, I had fake teeth in, I had the earring, this wonderful costume with breast plates," said Jackman. "I'll tell you, it took two or three people to dress me in that thing, but the moment I walked outside the hair and makeup trailer, I felt like Blackbeard. I felt so fantastic. It was just awesome. It was great fun."

Jackman says working on any film is an exercise in "let's pretend," and in real life he doesn't have to look any further than his own 10-year-old daughter for inspiration.

"Just the other day I was outside her door and she was playing with little dolls, and I could hear her playing two characters and getting so into it and really loving it," said Jackman. "That's natural to little kids, and it's just as much fun to play the hero as it is to play the villain as it is to play whatever, you know? And that's what this is."

"It's a great tale. It's a great bedtime story," said Jackman. "It's full of adventure and intrigue. There's a little romance, there's fun, it's funny, there's swordfights, there's battles. You're in the world of a child's imagination."

"Pan" is in theaters on Friday.