The cameras haven't started rolling on Marvel Studios' "Deadpool 3" just yet, but leading men Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman are already hard at work getting in shape for their respective roles.
Jackman is no stranger to bulking up to wield the adamantium claws on the big screen after playing Wolverine nine times since 2000, but he's pushing himself harder than ever as he returns to the role at the age of 54.
In fact, last month, the Australian star shared with fans that he's eating 8,000 calories a day to give his body what it needs to get into superhero shape. That includes two steaks, chicken burgers, and black bass.
Reynolds is also working out for the sequel, and posted to Instagram several weeks ago a photo of himself in the gym with the caption: "Keeping Up With The Jackmans."
The Deadpool actor also recently told ET Canada that he's "trying" to keep up with his costar, who he called "a beast."
"I'm trying… Hugh Jackman is a beast, you know? He's clearly obsessed with his own body. So, keeping up with someone who's that diligent is going to be challenging. But, yeah, it's been fun," said Reynolds.
The duo are clearly having fun with their playful dynamic ahead of "Deadpool 3," as Jackman responded to the interview by saying: "More like petrified. Have you seen you?"
—Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) April 17, 2023
Reynolds also said that he didn't stop "pestering" Jackman about "Deadpool 3," and said that the timing was finally right for the actor's return as Wolverine.
He explained: "I mean, I never stopped… I was just pestering him like a gnat over the last many years. I believe in timing, as much as hard work and luck and all those intersections that are supposed to meet. Timing's the big one. I think he was ready. I think he was excited."
"And what we pitched him was enough of a divergence from the character that he knows and the character that he's left behind, that it gives him something completely new to play and something that he's really excited to do," Reynolds added.
