An official promotional still from the highly anticipated movie The Wolverine showcases Hugh Jackman in impressive shape, with his well-defined muscles taking the spotlight.
The charming actor, with veins prominent on his skin and claws fully extended, appeared vastly different from his Golden Globe-winning musical persona.
At 44 years old, Hugh has been diligently enhancing his fitness to prepare for the role, even opting for a gym session on Christmas Eve.
In this sequel, the shirtless actor returns as the hot-headed Wolverine, one of Marvel’s most beloved heroes, and hopes for a more positive reception than the previous film.
Although X-Men Origins: Wolverine was financially successful, it garnered mixed reviews for its storyline, even with an impressive cast including Ryan Reynolds, Liev Schreiber, and Danny Huston.
The latest image reveals Jackman, embodying a furious state, looking significantly bulkier than in his past portrayals of the character and appearing ready for action.
Having played the role six times prior and set to appear in X-Men: Days of Future Past, Hugh sought guidance from professionals to pack on muscle.
He consulted with professional wrestler Dwayne The Rock Johnson, who advised him to consume six meals daily and aim to gain a pound each week over six months.
This routine necessitated a daily intake of 6,000 calories, primarily from chicken, steak, and brown rice.
The Wolverine follows superhero mutant Logan as he ventures to Japan, engaging in a battle with a mysterious figure from his past that leads to significant repercussions.
Logan trains with a samurai warrior, faces the Yakuza, confronts a corrupt minister of justice, and witnesses his fiancée succumb to the advances of his adversary.
With a budget reportedly set at $100 million, director James Mangold chose to begin the film precisely where X-Men: The Last Stand concluded.
Hugh remarked: ‘This film’s position in the film universe is after all the others.
‘Jean Grey is gone, most of the X-Men are disbanded or absent, creating a profound sense of isolation for him.’
by Helena Bryanlith
