Hugh Jackman, who plays Wolverine in the X-Men films, has responded to claims that he used steroids to transform into the character, saying that he is aware of the “side effects” and simply “did it the old school way.”
While the anticipation for Jackman’s return as Wolverine in Deadpool 3 has been high, some have wondered how the actor has remained in top shape despite his age.
In response, Jackman demonstrated on social media that he had undergone rigorous training for Deadpool 3. The actor, on the other hand, is no stranger to critics, with some even accusing him of using a certain drug to stay jacked.
Now, the actor has finally put these allegations to rest.
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Hugh Jackman Responds to Claims of Steroid Use in Wolverine Role
Hugh Jackman appeared on HBO’s Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace, according to Variety, to discuss allegations that he used steroids for his role as Marvel’s Wolverine.
When Wallace asked the Deadpool 3 star if he used such drugs, Hugh Jackman replied emphatically, “No,” stating that he enjoys his job and the character.
Jackman went on to say that he was made aware of the negative effects of using steroids before admitting that he “did it the old-school way” by eating “more chickens:”
“Over the years, people have wondered if he juiced?” Wallace says. Was he on steroids?”
“No, I love my job,” Jackman says. “And I adore Wolverine,” Jackman added. “I got to be careful what I say here, but I had been told anecdotally what the side effects are of that. ‘I don’t love it that much,’ I said. So, no, I did it the old-fashioned way. And I tell you, I’ve eaten more chickens — my apologies to all the vegans, vegetarians, and chickens around the world. Karma is literally not on my side. I’m in big trouble if the deity has anything to do with chickens.”
Because the actor is “jacked, and he’s 40 years old,” UFC color commentator Joe Rogan accused Jackman of using steroids in September 2022:
“I am 100% confident that guy did steroids, look at his body, Hugh Jackman got fucking jacked and he’s 40 years old. I’m sure he was on a fantastic diet, but I’m also certain he was tampering with his hormones. Is it possible to gain that much weight without using steroids? If you’re over the age of 20.”
Meanwhile, in the same Wallace interview, Hugh Jackman confirmed that he studied wolves after taking on the role of Wolverine in 2000’s X-Men: First Class.
“I’d never read the comic book before. I was cast in the role. I didn’t know anything about… I didn’t because wolverines don’t exist in Australia. I had no idea that was a real animal. I had never heard of a wolverine before. I assumed it was a fabricated animal. You know, he’s got steel man hands, made up. And so, while I was doing rehearsal at the IMAX, they were showing this documentary about wolves. And I thought, “Perfect because I’m obviously a wolf, part wolf.”
Jackman then revealed that he arrived on set “with all these wolf moves,” before the director of the film called him out and informed him that he is a wolverine:
“So I went [to set] with all these wolf moves, and I was doing these moves, and the director asked, ‘What are you doing? ‘Well, I was just thinking wolves are always looking like this because they’re actually smelling, their nose to the ground,’ I explained. That’s why they’re always looking like this.’ ‘What do you mean a wolf?’ he asks. ‘Well, you know, Wolverine — I’m the part wolf, so…’ ‘No, you’re a wolverine,’ he says.
Wallace then asked Jackman how he got the role of Wolverine despite the fact that the X-Men hero is 5’5 and the actor is 6’2.
After confirming that he had “seven auditions” for the role, The Greatest Showman actor explained that he never wore his shoes in the first X-Men film because every other actor around him “had to be taller than me:”
“I went to about seven auditions… Finally, I remember auditioning, auditioning, auditioning. Then I went to see the production manager. We were talking when he said, ‘You know, there’s just one problem. I hope the fans don’t mind because the character is supposed to be 5’5. ‘Tom, really,’ I said. (Begins walking while squatting) Everything will be fine. Don’t be concerned about anything.’ I literally walked out in that manner. And, Chris, I never wore my shoes in the first film. Every other actor around me had to be taller than me unless they were a child.”
Jackman concluded by describing the “great effort” that the production crew had to put in to maintain Wolverine’s height:
“I was literally crouching in front of people. Remove your shoes. All around me, people were standing on planks and boxes. As a result, they made a significant effort. And I think they just gave up on that after a while.”
The podcast host then inquired about Jackman’s experience with Wolverine’s claws.
The Logan actor first confirmed that the claws he used were “actually metal and actually sharp,” before revealing that he practiced a lot at home, even stabbing his thighs:
“You know what, Chris, we were just watching that clip, and you know what came to mind? During that fight, I actually stabbed Mystique’s double. So I’m not sure what we were thinking at first. They were made of metal and extremely sharp. I used to practice as well. I practiced at home because I’ve done a lot of fighting but never with another- I had to get used to fighting with another nine inches beyond my hand. As a result, I had to adapt. So I practiced, practiced, and practiced some more. I’d stabbed my thighs and had scars to prove it. My thighs are still scarred.”
As the pair watched a clip of Wolverine and Mystique’s fight in the first X-Men film, Hugh Jackman revealed that he accidentally stabbed the stuntwoman “deep into her arm,” but she recovered:
“And there’s one scene in particular where she’s reaching for something and I go to stab her arm. She had forgotten to move her arm. And I literally stabbed myself. It penetrated her arm about this far. And it’s something I’ll never forget. I went wide open. For the first time in my life, I literally stabbed someone. And she just burbled out blood, like bloop, bloop, bloop. It was getting closer. And she exclaims, ‘I’ve been stabbed by Wolverine!’ Because she was a stuntwoman, and she’s a lot tougher than me, there was just blue and red pouring down her arm. And it was a source of pride for her.”
Why Hugh Jackman Shouldn’t Use Steroids
Hugh Jackman’s latest statement, in which he denies using steroids to transform into Wolverine, is a fitting way to silence his detractors.
The actor has repeatedly demonstrated that his preparation for his Marvel role does not include the use of drugs, as previous reports indicate that Jackman had an intense workout and dietary plan.
In 2014, for example, Jackman admitted that preparing for Wolverine necessitated “really upping the training,” noting that “diet is the biggest change that happens.”
Given that appearance is only the tip of the iceberg, playing Wolverine necessitates Jackman being more mobile and active, as the character is involved in numerous action scenes. This would not be possible if the actor had previously used steroids, because one of the known side effects is swelling of the lower legs due to fluid buildup.
Jackman’s return as Wolverine in Deadpool 3 is expected to follow in the footsteps of his previous preparations. Fans will hopefully get to see Jackman and Ryan Reynolds working out together in the coming months in preparation for the MCU threequel.
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