I know that question is ridiculous, and it’s making me giggle uncontrollably. You know I would! It’s Hugh Jackman. Just stick him in the shower and wash the grime off him first and you’re good to go. When I first read that Hugh Jackman lost weight I was like “where” since the dude was already buff. After I saw him I realized that he lost weight the Christian Bale way, all over until he looks emaciated. Poor Hugh. I’ll make him a nice meal and take care of him.

Hugh is playing the Jean Valjean role in Le Miserables, and he’s of course in character for these shots taken on set in London. I honestly didn’t read the book, but I saw the 1998 film, with Liam Neeson, Claire Danes and Uma Thurman. I loved it and wonder why they have to make another one (update: this one is a musical, thanks for cluing me in!) Celebuzz has a good overview of Hugh’s character, along with the casting for the rest of the film. Hugh is playing the lead Liam Neeson occupied in the earlier movie:

Hugh Jackman isn’t looking so jacked on the set of Les Miserables. The Wolverine actor known for his big smile and bulging biceps was easy to miss while filming scenes for the beloved play-turned-movie.

Hugh, 43, is shooting scenes in London, England as the character of Jean Valjean, and looks to have shed some pounds and muscle for the part. Dressed in rags, Hugh also dons a poorly shaved haircut that includes scars all over his head.

In case you’re not familiar with the story, here’s a breakdown of Hugh’s character, and it may explain why he’s so thin.

In Les Mis, Jean is a poor man who has been on the run from the law for 19 years after he stole bread to feed his sister’s starving children during an economic depression in France. Jean is actively pursued his whole life (and throughout the play) by police officer Javert (Russell Crowe).

Other familiar faces to join Hugh in this classic tale include Amanda Seyfried (Cosette), Helena Bonham-Carter (Madame Thénardier), Anne Hathaway (Fantine) and Sacha Baron Cohen (Monsieur Thénardier).

[From Celebuzz]

The only thing that Celebuzz forgot to mention in their article above is that Russell Crowe will be playing the officer who chases Jackman’s character throughout the film, his foil Javert. Now I’m getting all excited for this movie, which isn’t out until December! Damn, well at least it’s coming this year.

I’m going to take a hint from Celebuzz and also include some shirtless photos of Jackman as contrast. It’s Tuesday Wednesday*, we deserve them. These are from last August, so it wasn’t too long ago that Hugh was big in just the right places.

*I honestly thought it was only Tuesday! WTH is wrong with me?

Photo credit: FameFlynet