'Keanu Reeves...[was] the studio's preferred choice [for Wolverine].'

Dougray Scott was the person they ended up hiring, who then had to drop out because filming for "Mission Impossible II" went long. However, he wasn't the first person who was considered or even offered the role. According to Hugh Jackman, Russel Crowe was Singer's first choice and although Crowe ultimately turned it down (according to Singer, Crowe was only willing to do it if he could play a bald Wolverine) he ended up suggesting Jackman for the role.

Keanu Reeves, meanwhile, was up for the role and has recently said he really wanted it, but didn't get it even though it has been said (through the rumor mill, mind you) that Fox was particularly interested in him.