20th Century Fox

Hugh Jackman denied using steroids and talked about training and dieting to play Wolverine for the 10th time. Jackman first appeared as Logan/Wolverine in X-Men way back in 2000 and last did so in 2017’s Logan, the final installment in the Wolverine trilogy. But he’s coming back. Soon, Jackman will begin preparing to return in the mutant role in next year’s Deadpool 3 (set in a time prior to Logan). Appearing on Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace? (screening on CNN and HBOMax), Hugh Jackman spoke about transforming himself into a diesel superhero once again, this time at age 54.

HUGH JACKMAN ON TRAINING

“I’ve learned you can’t rush it. I’ve learned that it takes time,” Jackman told Chris Wallace in regards to turning himself into a muscular mutant. “So we have six months from when I finish [The Music Man play on Broadway, which closes on January 15] to when I start filming [Deadpool 3], 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.”

Hugh Jackman steroids
Jackman was jacked in 2017’s “Logan.” / 20th Century Fox

Jackman said he’s “really fit right now” and credited his fitness to doing eight shows a week on Broadway. “So, I’m healthy. I have a good place to start.”

(Jackman could reportedly bench press 315 lbs. when prepping for 2000’s X-Men. Eight years ago, at 46, Jackman Instagrammed himself pulling a 410-lb. deadlift to complete a workout that included a 235-lb. bench press and 355-lb. squat for a powerlifting total of 1000.)

HUGH JACKMAN ON EATING CHICKEN BREASTS

“And apologies, chickens, run a mile. Start running now because I’m coming for you,” Jackman joked about his high-protein Wolverine diet. “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.”

HUGH JACKMAN ON TAKING STEROIDS

When asked by Chris Wallace, Hugh Jackman denied taking steroids to get into Wolverine shape in the past. “No, I love my job, and I love Wolverine. I got to be careful what I say here, but I had been told anecdotally what the side effects are of [anabolic steroids]. And I was like, ‘I don’t love it that much.’ So, no, I just did it the old school way.”

HUGH JACKMAN ON PLAYING WOLVERINE AGAIN

“I really thought I was done,” Jackman said. “I was at peace with it. I got asked every day, either in interviews or Ryan Reynolds ringing me ‘Can we do it again?’ I’m like, ‘No, I’m done.’ But my wife said, ‘You know, after this, what is it you really want to do?’ And I was just driving down a day later, and it came to me like that. Because when I keep thinking of me and Ryan, of Deadpool and Wolverine, which are classic comic book rivals, there’s also a dynamic that I’ve never really got to do before as Wolverine, and I just thought this is gonna be fun, something I’ve never done before. And I can’t wait.”