Hugh Jackman didn’t just step into Robin Hood’s boots for his latest film — he strapped on 200 pounds of gear and endured what he calls the toughest fight scenes of his Hollywood career.
When Fox News Digital asked Jackman about the craziest things he did to prepare for “The Death of Robin Hood,” including wearing a 200-pound vest during production, Jackman said the physical demands of the movie eclipsed anything he’d done before.
“I’ve done a lot of fight sequences in my career. Nothing has prepared me for how hard these were,” Jackman told Fox News Digital on the red carpet at “The Death of Robin Hood” world premiere.
“They were so exhausting, and we did a lot of rehearsal for them. That was the hardest bit,” Jackman, best known for his portrayal of Wolverine in the “X-Men” and “Deadpool” series, said.
The film, written and directed by Michael Sarnoski, offers a darker and more grounded reimagining of the legendary outlaw.
Rather than focusing on the heroic folklore audiences have come to know, “The Death of Robin Hood” examines the aging outlaw as he grapples with violence, regret and the myths he helped create about himself.
WATCH: HUGH JACKMAN SAYS 200-LB VEST MADE FIGHT SCENES BRUTAL
Jackman said his interpretation of Robin Hood wasn’t influenced by the famous portrayals that came before him.
When Fox News Digital asked whether versions played by Kevin Costner, Russell Crowe or Sean Connery inspired his performance, Jackman pointed instead to the animated classic from his childhood.
“The Fox. I was first introduced to the Disney animated version,” he said. “I don’t think I even knew it was a fox … that’s how young I was. But I loved that version when I was growing up.”
Still, the actor intentionally avoided revisiting previous adaptations while preparing for the role.
“But I didn’t look at any of them for this because this is a completely different reinvention … it was almost like a re-deconstruction of the whole myth of Robin Hood,” Jackman added.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
The A24 film follows an aging Robin Hood who is haunted by a lifetime of crime, bloodshed and violence. After suffering a devastating injury in what he believes will be his final battle, he finds himself in the care of Sister Brigid, played by Jodie Comer.
WATCH: ‘THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD’ STAR JODIE COMER SAYS ONE THING ABOUT HUGH JACKMAN STOOD OUT
Comer, whose character nurses the wounded outlaw back to health, said Sister Brigid serves as a guide rather than a savior.
“I think she’s trying to teach him to be his own salvation, actually,” Comer explained to Fox News Digital. “I think that’s what she’s trying to instill in him — a sense of hope and his innate goodness, for him not to be so kind of wrapped up in the identity of his actions of the past.”
LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
The actress also had high praise for her co-star.
“He’s got so much humility, he’s incredibly personable and what you see is what you get,” Comer said of Jackman.
Alongside Comer, the cast includes Bill Skarsgård, Murray Bartlett, Faith Delaney and Elijah Ungvary.
“The Death of Robin Hood” is in theaters now.
