Kevin Nash’s Brutal Response to Russian Recasting

“Deadpool & Wolverine” is brimming with cameos from characters dwelling in Marvel’s lesser-known multiverse corners. The film features Elektra (Jennifer Garner) from one of the most derided superhero films ever made and Gambit (Channing Tatum), whose solo outing never saw the light of day. Despite its wide array of cameos, it missed including characters from 2004’s “The Punisher.” Still, a variant of The Russian does make an appearance, played by Billy Clements. This caught the eye of former WWE champion Kevin Nash, who portrayed the character in “The Punisher.”

On Kliq This: The Kevin Nash Podcast, Nash offered harsh words for the new version of The Russian, who now sports brown hair and a beard, differing from Nash’s clean-shaven and blonde look. “That looks nothing like the character I played. That looks nothing like The Russian,” he said, highlighting his dissatisfaction with the latest portrayal.

While Nash’s critiques may seem harsh, it’s important to consider that finding someone who resembles Nash’s iconic look is a tall order. Despite his critiques, Nash was not particularly upset about Clements taking over his role. He added that fans shouldn’t expect to see him reprise his famous roles anytime soon.

Kevin Nash’s portrayal of The Russian in “The Punisher” remains memorable, from the notorious “Fingerpoke of Doom” on “WCW Nitro” to being one of the primary adversaries against Thomas Jane’s titular character. However, fans might have wondered if he would reprise this role if given the opportunity.

Discussing his career intentions on “Kliq This,” Nash sarcastically noted, “I’m 65 years old. What I want to do in life is, I want to go someplace that’s not my crib, be in a hotel, and work a 12-hour day. Then leave, go home, and while I cook and prepare my meal and eat it, go over lines for tomorrow. While I sit in makeup the next day, have somebody run lines with me, and then every time I get a break, run lines again before I shoot a scene.”

It’s evident Nash is not fond of the demanding routines associated with acting. Additionally, his near-fatal experience while filming “The Punisher” might play a part in his reluctance.

“The Punisher” required intense physical activity from its cast, and Nash, with his wrestling background, was well-suited for such demands. Nonetheless, wrestling and being stabbed on set are worlds apart, and Nash learned this firsthand.

Recounting his near-death experience on “Kliq This,” Nash revealed that while filming the fight scene with Frank Castle, Thomas Jane accidentally used a real knife. “The prop guy’s over there sniffing up this … girl’s a**, you know, trying to f**king get her number, and doesn’t change out the knives, and I take one in the collarbone,” Nash said.

Thankfully, Nash survived and holds no grudge against Jane. Still, “Deadpool & Wolverine” missed a chance to humorously comment on Nash’s dramatic episode had they recast him. This leaves fans speculating what might have been.