Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman is pictured on Oct. 30, 2018, in New York City. Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images

KEY POINTS

  • Hugh Jackman said training for Wolverine for "Deadpool 3" was much harder than his preparation for "X-Men"
  • He previously retired the Wolverine role with 2017's "Logan"
  • Ryan Reynolds announced in August that Jackman's Wolverine was returning in "Deadpool 3"

Hugh Jackman reflected on his struggles while preparing to reprise his role as Wolverine in Ryan Reynolds' "Deadpool 3."

The Australian actor previously retired the Wolverine role with 2017's "Logan" after 17 years of playing the mutant in the "X-Men" franchise.

Jackman had been adamant that he was done playing the role until August when Reynolds announced that Jackman's Wolverine was returning in "Deadpool 3." Jackman officially confirmed his return during the D23 Expo the following month.

But preparing for his Wolverine comeback has been not smooth for Jackman. During his recent appearance on the "Empire Film" podcast, the 54-year-old actor admitted that it was "harder" for him to train for the physically-demanding role due to his current work schedule.

"I'm doing eight shows a week right now, so I'm only lifting weights three times a week," said Jackman, who is currently performing in the Broadway musical "The Music Man" through Jan. 15.

"But I'll be getting into it once or twice a day as soon as this is done in a month, and I'll have six months to prep, and I always have the same approach every time I go in," he continued.

Jackman added that he is aiming to be in "better shape than ever" before filming starts.

Elsewhere in the podcast interview, Jackman teased Deadpool and Wolverine's relationship in the upcoming movie, sharing that the two are total "opposites" and "hate each other."

"I'm just talking from my perspective. [Logan is] frustrated by him, wants to be a million miles away from him, or wants to punch him in the head," he teased.

But since they will have to be around each other in the upcoming film, Wolverine will likely "punch" Deadpool in the head "a lot," according to the actor.

"Deadpool" fans will see the tandem again once the third installment of the franchise arrives on Nov. 8, 2024.

Leslie Uggams, who played Deadpool's no-nonsense roommate Blind Al in the previous installments, will also reprise his role in "Deadpool 3."

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Marvel's Wolverine from Insomniac Games YouTube Screenshot/Marvel UK YouTube Channel