Hugh Jackman has spoken candidly about the challenges of reprising his iconic role of Wolverine aged 55 for Deadpool and Wolverine.
The Australian actor played the X-Men character in nine different films, concluding the character’s arc with the acclaimed 2017 film Logan.
He is now set to portray Logan/Wolverine on the big screen once again in the third Deadpool movie, opposite Ryan Reynolds.
While Jackman says he is “thrilled” to be revisiting the role, he admits there was once aspect that he struggled with, especially now that he’s older.
Speaking to People to promote the flick, he explained: “When I came back to it, it was really fun and I was thrilled. My body was a little sore at the beginning, but I was thrilled that my body was still responding.
“I realised how good it is for your brain. But the hardest bit…the food.”
The Greatest Showman star said he had always struggled to bulk up for film roles because it goes against his natural body type.
“I have to eat a lot,” he said. “For me, for my body type, I’m naturally skinny. To get the size on, that’s the hardest bit. That’s the bit that does my head in.”
Meanwhile, his co-star Reynolds - who has enjoyed a friendly online rivalry with Jackman for years - told the publication that he had been shocked by Jackman’s dedication to the role.
“Just the sheer relentlessness that you dedicated yourself towards stunts, choreography,” he said.
“It was the first time I’d ever seen how invaluable a background in song and dance is when you are doing an action movie.”
Deadpool and Wolverine is due to be released in UK cinemas nationwide from July 24.
