Hugh Jackman was once famously offered the role of English superspy James Bond – and shocked fans by turning it down.

On Wednesday, the Marvel star, 55, shared a stunning photo to Instagram in which he channeled his inner 007 while enjoying Bond’s drink of choice – a martini.

The Sydney-born actor sported a cheeky grin in the hilarious picture as he held a martini glass up to his mouth while gazing into the camera.

Many of Hugh’s followers were quick to point out the striking similarity between him and the iconic silver screen spy.

Hugh Jackman (pictured) was once offered the role of James Bond - and shocked fans by turning it down. On Wednesday, the Marvel star, 55, shared a stunning photo to Instagram in which he channeled his inner 007 while enjoying Bond's drink of choice - a martini

Hugh Jackman (pictured) was once offered the role of James Bond – and shocked fans by turning it down. On Wednesday, the Marvel star, 55, shared a stunning photo to Instagram in which he channeled his inner 007 while enjoying Bond’s drink of choice – a martini

‘It’s 007!’ one user wrote and a second person asked: ‘Stirred?’

In 2017, Hugh revealed he almost became the legendary celluloid spy James Bond, but turned down the role at the last minute.

Speaking to Variety to promote his film The Greatest Showman, Hugh revealed he said no to the role as he felt the scripts had become too unrealistic.

Many of Hugh's followers were quick to point out the striking similarity between him and the iconic silver screen spy James Bond

Many of Hugh’s followers were quick to point out the striking similarity between him and the iconic silver screen spy James Bond

‘I was about to do X-Men 2 and a call came from my agent asking if I’d be interested in Bond,’ Hugh told the publication.

He added: ‘I just felt at the time that the scripts has become so unbelievable and crazy, and I felt like they needed to become grittier and real.’

Hugh also revealed that he decided not to apply for his licence to kill as we has told by producers that he would have no say in the character’s direction.

‘The response was: “Oh, you don’t get a say. You just have to sign on.” I was also worried that between Bond and X-Men, I’d never have time to do different things.’

The iconic role was inhabited by Pierce Brosnan when Hugh was asked to don the iconic tux, with Daniel Craig eventually stepping into James’ shoes for several Bond films, including Casino Royale, Quantum Of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre.

Saying no to Bond obviously didn’t hurt Hugh’s career, with the star going on to appear in many X-Men films as Wolverine, and becoming one of the most beloved celluloid superheroes.

Saying no to Bond obviously didn't hurt Hugh's career, with the star going on to appear in many X-Men films as Wolverine, and becoming one of the most beloved celluloid superheroes

Saying no to Bond obviously didn’t hurt Hugh’s career, with the star going on to appear in many X-Men films as Wolverine, and becoming one of the most beloved celluloid superheroes