In a recent interview with CNN, Hugh Jackman talks about The Wolverine. He discusses the plot and tone of the film saying that it's a little different and darker than the previous X-Men films that have been made.
I'm excited for this movie, and I think the trailers that have been released show off some great stuff. This is obviously going to be a more character focused film, which is exactly what The Wolverine needed. Here's what Jackman had to say,
[Wolverine's] back, and I couldn't be happier. I never in a million years would've thought (that) I'd still be playing this character (12 years later). It kind of really is shocking to me, but at the same time, it's such an instant gratitude, because I love this character.
He then goes on to talk about the character and how the film will be darker, different, but just as fun as the previously released films.
[Wolverine's] sort of interested in [the offer of mortality], because if your life is not great and there is a lot of regret and pain, would it be great to live on and on? Yes, ('The Wolverine') is a character piece, and I would say it may be a little darker in tone than the others, and it certainly feels a little different, (but) it's just as much fun. The action is probably in this is more inventive than we've ever had before.
He then addresses the inclusion Jean Grey in the film. He doesn't give away too much, but confirms that she does play a prominent role in the story.
I don't want to give away too much. She is there in the way that loved ones are always there ... in a very real way, she's there. (He) loses the love of his life, (and) we've seen that impact. He's one of those people where whenever he gets close to someone, bad things tend to happen. So in a way, not only for himself but for the world, he decides to just completely go off the reservation and sort of deny who he is and be like a recluse.
As for physically preparing for the part, he said:
Three hours a day [in the gym]. I had a mentor, Dwayne Johnson, the Rock. We're mates, and I said, 'Mate, I need to know what you do." And he said, "Tell me you've got six months? ... You need six months to do this." He told me the diet -- 6,000 calories -- (and that) you have to train like no one else. This is what I learned: When I started, I used to think, "You want to be bigger? You want to be in better shape? Train harder, train harder, train harder!" It's not not (that), it's the food. Seventy percent of the way you look is your diet, 30% is your training. So if there's anything you've got to concentrate on, it's the food.
I can't even imagine taking in 6,000 calories a day! It sure paid off for Jackman though. He's never looked so badass as Wolverine before. I can't wait to see him fight ninjas!
