Marvel actors Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman open up about the challenges of getting back in superhero shape for Deadpool & Wolverine as actors over the age of 45. Wade Wilson is finally joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline, following the X-Men rights reverting to Marvel Studios parent company Disney. When Deadpool & Wolverine releases, it will not only explore how Wade gets to the MCU, but feature him teaming up with Jackman’s Logan.
In their People interview, where Reynolds, 47, and Jackman, 55, interviewed each other, the Marvel alums chatted about their superhero training for Deadpool & Wolverine. One of the key details that came up was the importance of having a dancing background as it helps massively with choreography, as they shared the following:
Ryan Reynolds: I couldn’t believe what I saw with what you did physically for this movie. Not just the aesthetic transformation that’s amazing that’s incredible that anyone could do that but just the sheer relentlessness that you dedicated yourself towards stunts, choreography. It was the first time I’d ever seen how invaluable and I hope any young actors are listening to this how invaluable a background in song and dance is when you were doing an action movie. You hit your marks in those fight scenes with speed and confidence the likes of which I have never seen. I don’t care if you were 25, 35, 45, I could not believe what I saw.
Hugh Jackman: Thank you man, Brian Smrz, who’s a great second unit [director] he was the first person to tell me, he said I every time I hire a stunt man or someone’s coming up. I say, “Do dance class,” and they go, “What? I’m going to learn to smash a car and ride a motorbike and jumping,” and he said, “But there’s a mixture of relaxation with the strength that you need, it’s basically choreography. So to to take a punch it’s more about the relaxation.” It’s true, so I approach stunts in the way I would if – I’m not a dancer, but I have done a lot of dance training now and dance in my job and I love the process of it. I love getting something into your bones, learning something. You watch something, you get it in here, and how does that get in your bones? I had got to the point probably 10 years ago I was like, I’m not enjoying it. It was hurting. It was tough. But I’ve had a break, and I’ve been doing a lot of dance. I’ve been doing stage shows. And so when I came back to it, it was really fun.
How Ryan Reynolds & Hugh Jackman Got In Superhero Shape For Deadpool & Wolverine
Leading up to the release of Deadpool & Wolverine, Jackman has kept the world up to date with his transformation as Logan. Through multiple training videos, Jackman is seen lifting a massive amount of weight, showing his dedication to getting back in Wolverine shape since 2017’s Logan movie. It wouldn’t be shocking if more details about his and Reynolds’ respective training were highlighted in the lead-up to Deadpool & Wolverine’s release.
In the same interview, Reynolds mentions his training, which includes a plan of five-six meals a day, while stressing, “It’s not the type of food that you would really necessarily enjoy.” Jackman has previously brought up that he has had to consume at least 8,000 calories a day for his Deadpool & Wolverine workout. Reynolds has also spoken in the past that for his own superhero training with his MCU trainer, Don Saladino, it has been hard to keep up with Jackman’s routine.
From all the Deadpool & Wolverine trailers, it is clear that their respective training methods are paying off, as Reynolds and Jackman are already looking phenomenal in the number of action scenes that have been shown thus far. If they return for a future Marvel movie like Avengers: Secret Wars, it will be interesting to see if they stick to the same training routine or take it to the next level. For now, the world can look forward to seeing the dedicated actors explore the multiverse in Deadpool & Wolverine.
