Is Hugh Jackman on Steroids or Natural? (What We Found Out)

Benedict Ang, CPT, PN1-NC
Published by Benedict Ang, CPT, PN1-NC | Staff Writer & Senior Coach
Last updated: February 15, 2024
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Australian actor Jackman brags one of the best physiques in Hollywood. ​​Some people speculate that for his most famous role as Wolverine, he bulked up his physique with the help of performance-enhancing drugs.

Since most celebrities keep their steroid use under the rug, I've spent several weeks examining Jackman's interviews, photos, and various records over the years to determine if there's any merit to those speculations.

In this article, we will look at Jackman’s physique and transformation to assess whether he is a user of anabolic steroids.

Quick Summary

  • Hugh Jackman has never been on steroids and his body transformation has been because of a stringent diet, and intense weight training.
  • Multivitamins and testosterone boosters supplements might have helped Hugh attain a toned body.
  • Per a study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), flushed skin is linked to high body temperature, indicating increased thermogenic activity—a common effect of steroids.
  • In my view, the physical transformation Hugh Jackman underwent for certain roles, especially at an older age, raises suspicions about the potential use of steroids, although it's not conclusive.

3 Reasons Why People Believe Hugh Jackman Might Be On Steroids

Jackman’s most incredible change was for his role in Les Miserables and as Wolverine in X-Men: Days of Future Past in 2014.

 

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So, we’re going to explore the possibility of whether he used steroids to achieve the great body he had during his role in Wolverine.

Below are some of Jackman’s externals that raise doubts about whether he was taking steroids or not.

1. Flushed Skin

I've always been intrigued by the visual cues that might suggest steroid use, and Hugh Jackman's flushed skin in "Days of Future Past" is no exception.

According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), flushed skin is usually the result of high body temperature, which further indicates high thermogenic activity in the body. Steroids are known to cause this [1].

Clenbuterol, is known for this effect. People who take clenbuterol experience an increase in the body’s temperature and blood pressure due to central nervous system stimulation.

This might indicate that he was using steroids at the time, but we cannot be sure.

2. High Vascularity

close up image of a man's veiny arms

What characterized Hugh’s appearance at his peak was his highly vascular look. Not only did he put on muscle, but he had bulging veins, denoting low body fat content.

It is possible to develop a vascular look by natural means, but Hugh put on a decent amount of muscle, given his age, while shedding a good deal of body fat.

Based on insights from Medical News Today, clenbuterol is also known as a decent fat burner [2].

This steroid raises the temperature of the body, and the system uses calories both to heat up and cool itself down.

Jackman’s more vascular appearance in the movies mentioned above could indicate potential steroid use.

3. Older, But More Jacked

If you notice Jackman’s roles at a younger age, like the first X-men movie (around his early 30s), compared to his 2014 role (at 45 years old), his body composition in the former looks more skinny, natural, and achievable.

Study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) show that one of the many factors of low testosterone is aging (after t-levels have reached their peak in one’s 20s) [3].

Since aging is a crucial factor in lowering testosterone levels, it would make more sense to have seen a bulkier Jackman in the earlier movies than in the later ones.

Yet, the older he gets, we see him putting on more muscle for his roles. Jackman bulked up within a short period for his later movie, given his age. Although we can’t be certain, this does raise some suspicion of him being on a steroid cycle at that time.

“There is almost no doubt in my mind that he is enhanced, and at minimum, on TRT, but likely on something super physiological.”

— Derek, Fitness YouTuber, More Plates More Dates

Hugh Jackman’s Training for Movies

shirtless man lifting up a heavy barbell

Jackman claimed that he obtained a ripped look from working out with light weights, which helped him prepare for the heavier weight he had to lift later.

Jackman says, “If the bar ain't bendin, then you're just pretendin.”

He also stated that he had to go through grueling workouts, diets, and even dehydration to stay lean.

Is Hugh Jackman’s Transformation Possible Without Steroids?

If Jackman’s look in earlier roles is what you’re looking to achieve, then it’s possible.

If you’re aiming for the Wolverine look, then you’ll need to stick to a stringent diet, count your calories, shred fat, and build (and maintain) your muscle with intense weight training.

You will also need to have a genetic predisposition to gain Wolverine’s muscular shape and look.

Related Article: Hugh Jackman's Workout Routine

What Would It Take To Bulk Up Like Hugh Jackman?

close up image of supplement pills

Hugh Jackman is 6’3”, and not everyone has his body type.

So keep in mind that working out to look like him could be a different journey for you.

While strict diet and strenuous exercise are crucial to look like the Wolverine, you might also need supplements such as multivitamins for men and testosterone boosters to fast-track your progress or, depending on the case, even make it likely at all.

There are some high-quality steroid alternatives and bulking stacks on the market you might want to look into.

These are based on legal and natural ingredients, and in my experience, they showed serious potential to boost performance and increase muscle mass without many common side effects of conventional steroids.

Related Articles: 

FAQs

What Supplements Did Jackman Take To Build His Physique?

Hugh Jackman said that he takes creatine, BCAAs, and L-Carnitine to assist with his bulking, cutting, and putting on lean muscle.

Did Hugh Jackman Deny Using Steroids?

Yes. In 2006, Jackman denied claims that he took steroids to get massive for his role as Wolverine in X-Men: The Last Stand. He said, “I would never take steroids. I think nothing is worse. I had to do an hour and a half in the gym every morning”.


References:

  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15248788/
  2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319927
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11158037/
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About The Author

James Cunningham, BSc, CPT
James Cunningham, BSc, CPT
Staff Writer & Senior Coach
Education: University of Hertfordshire
Lives in: London, England, United Kingdom
Learn more about our editorial policy

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