SINGAPORE — Talk about being the consummate professional: Actor Hugh Jackman said he was all prepared to take the phrase “getting into character” to the next level for his role in Pan, where he plays notorious English pirate Blackbeard.

Pan is the latest cinematic return to the world of Neverland that was created by acclaimed author JM Barrie. Only this time, it revolves around young orphan Peter who embarks on a series of harrowing adventures that set him on his way towards becoming Peter Pan. Looming over the proceedings is Jackman’s deliciously evil portrayal.

But Jackman initially had other plans for his character. He researched the real Blackbeard and approached Pan director Joe Wright with some ideas. “(Blackbeard) used to stick incense sticks inside his beard, glue them in, and then light them before going into battle so it looked like his head was on fire,” shared the Australian actor. “I said to Joe, ‘This would be pretty cool. What do you think?’

“He said, ‘Hmm, I was actually thinking of something a little different.’ He had an iPad with a picture of my face with white, cracked make-up on ... and the wig of Marie Antoinette and costume of Louis XIV. And all these rings and earrings. And I was like, ‘I’m in.’ That’s a much better idea! I felt like 80 per cent of my work had been done by this kind of over-the-top costume — ruffles, feathers, wigs.”

The actor, who turns 47 in a few days’ time, admitted there is at least one similarity between him and the pirate he plays. “He is a show pony and it brought out the ham in me,” he said with a smile. “Which is not too far below the surface.”

Playing the villain might not be the first thing that comes to mind when audiences think of the award-winning actor, but Blackbeard turned out to be the one character that Jackman’s kids really loved.

“My kids are 15 and 10, and are brutally honest. They said, ‘Oh, we actually really like this one,’” he revealed with a laugh. “And the ultimate compliment was: ‘Could we go to another screening? We want to bring our friends.’ That’s when I knew they really loved it. And I always wanted to play a role like this — that swashbuckling, sword-fighting, pirate sort of thing. I loved it!”

So what does the father of two think of the idea that the Internet has become a sort of new Neverland, where kids can congregate away from the eyes of their parents?

“Well, the Internet is a whole different thing that I didn’t have as a child and, ultimately, it’s an incredible tool,” he said. “You can have any question answered. But nothing is ever really going to replace the imagination.

“Neverland is the world of a child’s imagination. The whole movie is seen from the viewpoint of an 11-year-old,” he continued. “Sure, the Internet’s going to answer questions. You’re going to be able to go places you’re not meant to go, which is where kids go and have gone since time immemorial.

“But nothing replaces the vastness and limitlessness of the imagination, I think. What I love about this movie, as an adult, is that it made me feel like that 11-year-old kid again.”

Pan is in cinemas now.