While some people may have assumed that Hugh Jackman’s jacked physique for Wolverine was the result of steroids, the actor has revealed that it was actually a diet of chickens that helped him pack on muscles.
Jackman made the admission during a recent interview with Chris Wallace for HBO’s Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace.
“Over the years people have wondered, did he juice?” Wallace asked him. “Did he take steroids?”
“No, I love my job. And I love Wolverine,” Jackman responded, telling Wallace that he’s never resorted to steroids to build muscle for a character.
He continued, “I got to be careful what I say here, but I had been told anecdotally what the side effects are of that. And I was like, ‘I don’t love it that much.’ So no, I just did it the old-school way. And I tell you, I’ve eaten more chickens — I’m so sorry to all the vegans and vegetarians and to the chickens of the world. Literally, the karma is not good for me. If the deity has anything related to chickens, I’m in trouble.”
In the same interview, the Aussie actor told Wallace that it took six months of grueling gym sessions until he was in shape to play Wolverine.
“I’ve learned you can’t rush it. I’ve learned that it takes time. So, we have six months from when I finish to when I started filming. And I’m not doing any other work. I’m going to be with my family and train. That’s going to be my job for six months,” he said.
Love Film & TV?
Get the latest Film & TV news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more
He added, “And I’m really fit right now. There’s one thing that about eight shows a week being on Broadway singing and dancing, is I’m fit. So, I’m healthy. I have a good place to start. And apologies, chickens. Run a mile. Start running now because I’m coming for you.”
For more on this topic, follow the Film and TV Observer.
