Hugh Jackman returned as his iconic X-Men character in Deadpool & Wolverine despite retiring in 2017. This meant that he needed to get back in shape again just like in previous X-Men films.
With his reprisal of Wolverine, fans could not help but look back on his early years taking up the role of the clawed mutant. One thing that netizens noticed was the difference in his physique.
Hugh Jackman On Getting Back In His Wolverine Shape
Hugh Jackman’s comeback as Wolverine at age 55 is no joke. If he could pull off training back in his 30s for X-Men Origins: Wolverine, it is probably more challenging now because of his age. The actor shared his fitness journey for Deadpool & Wolverine via People:
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. And I realized how good it is for your brain.
While the physical activities were nonetheless enjoyable, the diet regimen was not so fun for the actor. In fact, it’s the part he finds the least thrilling. “But the hardest bit…the food. I have to eat a lot. For me, for my body type, I’m naturally skinny. To get the size on, that’s the hardest bit.”
Many would surely raise their eyebrows at the mention of “skinny” because Jackman doesn’t look skin and bones at all, but when playing a comic book character like Wolverine, one needs to gain as much weight and build muscle mass as he can.
The actor continued to reveal he had to eat “five, six meals a day” which for some might sound really great but he argued, “It’s not like the type of food that you would really necessarily enjoy.”
For 24 years, Jackman had to maintain his frame in order to play Wolverine, and through the years, his body got even more ripped. Now, this has become a concern for some fans.
Fans Debate On Hugh Jackman’s Body In X-Men Origins: Wolverine
In a viral Twitter post, a fan posted side-by-side shirtless images of Hugh Jackman and Tom Welling with a caption, “We need to start letting superheroes look like this again, enough with the dehydration.”
Obviously, Jackman’s body in this early image of Wolverine doesn’t look similar to his current build. In fact, a fan pointed out that this shape is now called “dad bod”. Check out fans’ opinions below:
I get the whole positive body image thing. But when you play a superhero you have to look that part. These are actors who are paid millions to replicate a character on the big screen. Don’t feel bad for them because they have to pick up a weight and diet.
— Meatheadmetal17 (@meatheadmetal17) July 25, 2024
People will unironically call this "dad bod" in 2024 even though both of these guys are absolutely ripped.
— Mr. Guillotine (@mrguillotine89) July 25, 2024
I’m okay with this but it’s unrealistic for comic characters to look that way lol tv sure but k
— Charmed Ones (@JazyProduction) July 25, 2024
no bc i agree w u it looks more realistic for them to have this build 😩
— Japanese Juno 🍒 (@Junokawai) July 26, 2024
This was Jackman’s best look because yeah he didnt look dehydrated and skinny. Never liked how lean he looked. Here he actually looked like the character and had the bulk for it
— Kunal (@Get2DaChopra) July 25, 2024
The sentiment on body positivity remains a controversial topic. It’s mainly subjective, which means people can have different interpretations of what a healthy body looks like. However, some fans believe that as actors, they need to faithfully live up to their characters, especially in the physical aspect.
Deadpool & Wolverine is now showing in theaters worldwide.
