From “Worm” to Wolverine: Hugh Jackman’s battle with weight gain ultimately affected his X-Men legacy.

Over the years, Hugh Jackman has become a name synonymous with strength and resilience, following his legendary portrayal of Wolverine in the X-Men franchise. Although the actor initially got the role, after Russell Crowe turned it down, Jackman skillfully utilized the opportunity as his ticket to stardom, with his stunning acting prowess and chiseled physique.

However, despite being highly appreciated by fans for his role as Wolverine, Hugh Jackman refused to pick up the mantle after Logan. According to the X-Men producer, the reason behind this decision lies in the physical demands of the role that have become too much for an aging Jackman.

Hugh Jackman’s Refusal to Play Wolverine Stemmed from His Troubled Past

Despite finding incredible success in his role as Wolverine in the X-Men franchise, Hugh Jackman repeatedly announced his retirement after Logan (2017). However, although he is appearing alongside Ryan Reynolds in the upcoming Deadpool sequel, Jackman’s presence in the film is said to be coming at a great cost. As per X-Men producer Lauren Shuler Donner, the physicality of the role had been taking a toll on Jackman.

According to reports from SlashFilm, Lauren Shuler Donner informed how the physical expectations associated with the Wolverine role have been affecting Hugh Jackman, especially because of his growing age. But more than anything, she highlighted how the actor has a naturally slim physique which made it difficult for Jackman to gain weight throughout his early life, eventually affecting his physical transformation for X-Men.

Once you reach a certain age, the body just won’t go anymore. I think he was wise to say, ‘I’m at that point. I can’t do it.’ Now, that doesn’t mean he can’t come back as older Wolverine. You never know. Future Wolverine, you never know.

So it seems that behind Hugh Jackman’s chiseled physique and iconic role lies a story of intense struggle and personal challenge. As per Lauren Shuler Donner, Jackman was frequently criticized for his slender build, which later earned him the nickname “worm”. Therefore, unlike most actors who find it easy to slide into superhero roles, Jackman had to undergo rigorous training and diet to fit the stereotypical image of a leading man.

Transformation into Wolverine has Now Become an Issue for Aging Hugh Jackman 

Considering Hugh Jackman’s troubled past with body image and struggle with gaining weight, the actor pushed himself through intense transformation to meet the expectations of the role. This grueling workout regime and an intense diet to build muscle mass, seemingly took a toll on Jackman leading him to quit playing the superhero role.

Since Hugh Jackman’s natural physique did not align with the muscular, heroic ideals prevalent in Hollywood, the actor committed himself to gain weight through hook or by crook, to overcome the deep-seated physical hurdle. Thereafter, although the actor overcame his past challenges and turned himself screen-ready as Wolverine, it eventually affected his body and well-being, with growing age.

Considering how he had to work harder than his colleagues to gain his superhero-like physique, Hugh Jackman later struggled with the physical and emotional toll of maintaining the Wolverine persona. The intense pressure and the grueling workout routines to maintain Wolverine’s physicality often left his body uncooperative. That’s perhaps why Jackman decided to step away from his mutant role.

Hugh Jackman’s troubled past and his struggles with weight gain, eventually led him to leave behind his legacy within the X-Men franchise, especially when we know Wolverine still has great potential left. But considering the personal cost that Jackman has to pay to embody the character, it seems only fair for Jackman to prioritize his health and well-being over the continuation of a beloved character.

Logan is available on Disney+.

Deadpool & Wolverine is slated to release on July 26, 2024.