Sacha Baron Cohen embarked on an intriguing new chapter in his career, revealing a transformation that shocked and impressed fans and industry insiders alike. A recent collaborative Instagram post, shared by Sacha Baron Cohen and Men's Fitness UK, unveiled the actor's dramatic physical transformation for his latest role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Mephisto. The post features Cohen on the magazine cover, displaying his impressive physique, an astonishing change for the 53-year-old actor known for his comedic and socially critical roles.
Cohen, who gained fame through politically incorrect comedies such as Borat and Brüno, shifted gears. He joined the MCU as Mephisto, a supervillain described as the MCU's version of the Devil, in the Disney+ series Ironheart. This marked a new era for Cohen's career, aligning him with a character that plays a formative role in Marvel Comics, having debuted in Silver Surfer #3 in 1968. CinemaBlend reported that Cohen's appearance as Mephisto in Episode 6 of the series finally put to rest rumors that had been circulating for some time.
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"The potential is clear," said Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios President to GamesRadar and hinted at future involvement for the character. The transformation Cohen underwent for his role was more than just physical. He admitted on Instagram to struggling through a midlife crisis, jokingly referring to his persona as a "middle-aged man who replaced beer with protein shakes." His intense three-week training regime involved at least 100 push-ups a day, directed by celebrity trainer Alfonso Moretti, to whom Cohen was referred by fellow actor Matthew McConaughey. Moretti took Cohen from "a ruler-shaped body" to his current form, adjusting the supervillain costume to fit his new physique, as reported by the Mirror.
Cohen humorously stated, "Some celebs use Ozempic, some use private chefs, others use personal trainers. I did all three," noted by Clarín. His social media feeds became lively, with Cohen tagging Marvel Studios and using the hashtag #shirtlessMephisto to draw attention to his new look. His trainer, Moretti, shared numerous behind-the-scenes shots of Cohen's transformation, expressing pride in the actor's efforts.
Interestingly, Cohen's physical transformation coincided with personal changes. After a marriage spanning 13 years, Cohen and actress Isla Fisher decided to file for divorce but remained committed to co-parenting their three children. "We are proud of all we've achieved together," they wrote in a joint statement, noting their ongoing respect for one another. This personal development led many fans and commentators on social media to label Cohen's transformation a "divorce bod."
Despite the personal turbulence, Cohen's commitment to his role as Mephisto remained unwavering. With his character's storyline anticipated to intertwine with future MCU developments, Cohen's preparation extended beyond physical fitness. As Moretti coyly remarked, Cohen "trusted my process and followed the plan exactly," leading not only to a transformation in health and aesthetics but also gracing the cover of Men's Fitness, a notable achievement for the actor.
The anticipation now turns to what lies ahead for Cohen's Mephisto within the MCU. As Feige remained coy about the character's future, fans are left wondering where Cohen may appear next. Whether Cohen's transformation will become an essential part of his enduring legacy or not, it undeniably marks an intriguing evolution for the actor who once captivated audiences with his satirical critiques of society.
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