Hugh Jackman has been quietly casting roles for X-Men Origins: Wolverine, a spin-off from the X-Men franchise, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

According to the Herald:

In recent weeks Jackman has been spotted approaching would-be stars and offering them the chance to audition for roles in the flick, which is said to be a prequel that delves deep into the early years of Jackman's hirsute Wolverine character who, by all accounts, is the sexiest mutant on the big screen.

One such opportunity has gone to the former McLeod's Daughters "hunk" Aaron Jeffrey, who has already gone through one screen test to play Jackman's brother in the film. Jackman and Jeffrey - similarly tall, dark and handsome - have had regular catch-ups on Bondi, where Jeffrey is regularly spotted with his girlfriend, another actor with considerable success in Hollywood, Peta Wilson.

The official word from Seed Productions is that not all the casting has been finalised and the company declined to shed any light on Jeffrey's situation specifically. However, if he lands the role, it could propel his career into the Hollywood major league.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine is set to open in May, 2009.