HE may be best known for his role as canine-esque Marvel superhero Wolverine, but Eddie The Eagle star Hugh Jackman admits that he hasn't always felt like a top dog throughout his 20-year acting career.
Just as the film's inspiration Michael 'Eddie The Eagle' Edwards battled worldwide cynicism to compete as a ski jump newcomer in the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics despite no funding, little training, a limited athletic ability and terrible eyesight, Aussie actor Jackman has had to overcome feelings of self-doubt to find screen success.
"I've always felt like an underdog," says the 47-year-old, who plays Eddie's fictitious hard-drinking coach, Bronson Peary.
"Ultimately for me, the antidote has been trying to get my head out of it and focusing on what I'm trying to say, what story we're trying to tell and to pay attention to the people you're with.
"In acting, it's all about focusing on the person you're with, rather than worrying about what you're doing, and enjoying it.
"At the end of the day, fear can be good – fear can mean you care and that it really matters to you."
Taron Egerton (26) plays Eddie: although he scored his big breakthrough role as Eggsy in last year's Kingsman: The Secret Service and also appeared alongside Oscar-winner Alicia Vikander in 2014's Testament Of Youth, the Welshman reveals that he still has to compete for roles.
"I think there's a misconception when you're involved in films like this, that you stop auditioning," says the winner of Empire magazine's Best Male Newcomer award in 2015, who was also nominated for the EE Rising Star gong at this year's Baftas.
"I audition for roles all the time and always feel like an underdog – particularly when I'm up against you!" he quips, looking at Jackman.
"Fair enough," retorts the the Wolverine star.
"Sorry you didn't get Eggsy in Kingsman by the way," Egerton adds, patting his older co-star on the arm.
"That must have been tough."
Clearly an intense period of working and touring together means Jackman and Egerton's friendship is forging beyond polite pleasantries, to full-on matey mickey-taking.
A scroll through Egerton's Twitter feed shows snaps of him sneaking Jackman's snacks when his back is turned and posing in the Aussie's sunglasses. Today, they're ribbing each other about who asked Gordon Brown to the premiere.
"I didn't invite him," laughs the younger star.
Directed by Dexter Fletcher, the film follows Eddie as he begs and borrows equipment before being put through his paces to earn a place in the 1988 Winter Games.
"Eddie was a legend who embodies that pure spirit of 'having a go'," says Jackman.
"And he had a go at the most crazy, almost suicidal event in sport, the ski jump. I mean, I wanted to be in the Olympics as a kid – I just wasn't going to go that far."
Although neither has put themselves through the challenges Cheltenham-born Eddie went through to achieve his dream of becoming an Olympian, both stars can relate to the scale of his ambition.
For Egerton, besides joking that he's in the industry for "money and fame", his driving force comes from wanting to make his nearest and dearest proud.
"When we had our premiere, I had 45 guests come and about 95 per cent of them were from my home town in Aberystwyth," says Egerton, who is currently working on a Kingsman sequel with Colin Firth.
"Them being there, and for us, all being on the red carpet in Leicester Square was mind-blowing. I think that was probably the biggest drive for me – sharing it with the people I care about."
And those people might have more to celebrate if the rumours prove true and Egerton is cast as the young Han Solo in a planned Star Wars spin-off.
"I really hope there's some truth to it, because playing a part like that would be a dream come true," he quips, chuckling, when asked about it.
"Obviously, trying to fill the shoes of someone like Harrison Ford would be daunting, but it would be such a cool part to play, so I really hope there's some truth to it. I'd love to have a go."
Now in 'good' health, having recently finished treatment for skin cancer on his nose, Jackman implores his fans to "wear sunscreen and get a check-up" to protect against the disease – but as for his tongue, well, it's clearly lodged firmly in his cheek.
Recalling the early days of his career, he recounts how he and wife, fellow actor Deborra-Lee Furness, used to entertain friends, who were also trying to make it in the industry.
"We'd have dinner parties and they'd say, 'I have a call back for this thing', and I'd see Debs' eyes glaze over.
Finally she'd say, 'OK, can you just call me when you got the job? No one's interested in 'I've got a call back', or, 'I'm down for a last read'. Just call me when you've got the job.
"So," Jackman adds, turning to Egerton with a grin, "Will you stop talking about Star Wars non-stop?"
It's all in jest, of course, and he hopes the jollities they shared making the film comes through for audiences.
"In a film like this, if you're having fun, the audience will sense that and they'll have fun too," says Jackman.
"And that's what's this film's about."
:: Eddie The Eagle is released today. See our review on P35
