First News caught up with Hugh Jackman to discuss his new robot movie, Real Steel…

What attracted you to the movie, Real Steel?

I read a lot of scripts, but I was blown away by Real Steel because the movie has a lot of heart. I didn’t want to make a movie that was just about robots; I wanted to make a movie with a great story. It’s a touching movie about a father and son. It’s wonderful.

When did you read the script for the first time?

I had to read the script quickly, so I cheekily started to read it to my son when he was struggling to sleep. My son said to me: “Dad, please come and read to me”. This script was the only thing I had at hand.

Does your son enjoy hearing you read scripts?

I read a script to him once before and he found it really boring, but Real Steel was different. As soon as I started reading it, he didn’t want me to stop.

Your character’s son in the movie is incredibly smart, especially when it comes to computers and technology. Is your son similar in real life?

My son is not into technology. I thought computers and technology was going to be a big thing for him, but he’s not into it at all. He’s got many other interests.

Like what?

I took a walk with my son yesterday and I found out some interesting things. I am not exaggerating, but he is incredibly smart. He was mumbling under his breath, so I started listening. I could hear him say: “Juniper tree, Japanese maple, palm tree…” He knew every single tree we passed.

Did he know more about trees than you?

He did! I said to him: “Where do you learn these things?” He replied: “I read. Don’t you notice?”

What else does he know more about than you?

He also knows about every indigenous tribe from America. He knows their name, where they’re from and what kind of artwork they are responsible for. He knows all the tribes of Africa, and every country on the planet. He taught me three countries I didn’t even know existed!

Which countries?

One was Myanmar. I didn’t realise Burma had become Myanmar recently. Another one was an African country; I can’t even remember it. He’s got an amazing knowledge, especially when it comes to countries, tribes, herbs and plants. He’s amazing.

What kind of father are you?

I guess I’m a very loving father. I love being around my children. That’s a no-brainer!

How would you describe your relationship with your father?

My dad is an amazing man. He was a full-time worker for most of my upbringing, as well as a single parent with five kids. He was an accountant so, for two weeks of his four weeks of holidays, we would head to the beach to camp in a five-man tent.

Was that fun?

It was great! There were five kids and my dad in the five-man tent, and that was our holiday. We’d take all our own food and he’d cook for five kids on a little gas burner. Those holidays must have been brutal for him. I don’t know how he did it, but they are very fond memories for me.

Were you interested in acting when you were a kid?

I have always been interested in acting. We would always put on our own productions at school, and I loved it.

Real Steel is a movie about robots. If you could create a robot in real life, what would it be?

I’d create a robot that does all of the things I don’t want to do. It would do all of the housework, take out the garbage and do the dishes, as well as mow the lawn.

Are you into robots and technology?

I’m definitely not up-to-date with the latest gadgets, but I am amazed by technology. To be honest, I feel like I’m part of the 80% of the population that just goes along for the ride. I’m not particularly moved by technology – but, when it works for me, I love it.

What gadgets do you have at home?

I have a computer that can do a lot of things, but I basically use it to email and surf the internet. I’m sure my computer is like my brain; it’s got a huge capacity but I’m only using 10% of it.

Are you into Twitter and Facebook?

I’ve recently joined Twitter. I’m loving it more and more as I go along. I also started on Facebook because there were a lot of fake Hugh Jackmans on there. I was told there were 357 pages with my name on them, and one of them had half a million people thinking I was talking to them.

Catch Real Steel in cinemas from 14 October.