Sacha Baron Cohen’s Transformation for MCU Role
Sacha Baron Cohen has been making waves with his impressive physical transformation, which he underwent to prepare for his new role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The actor recently appeared on the cover of Men's Fitness UK, where he was seen shirtless and lifting 30-pound weights in both hands. This bold move highlights his commitment to his latest project.
In a joint Instagram post with the publication, Cohen shared the cover image along with several other photos from the issue. These included shots of him doing pull-ups, using a cable machine, and posing while sitting on a gym bench. He also shared some of these images on his Instagram Stories, adding personal commentary that reflected his personality and humor.
On the magazine cover photo, Cohen captioned it with a witty remark: "This is not AI, I really am egotistical enough to do this." In another post, he joked, "Some celebs use Ozempic, some use private chefs, others use personal trainers. I did all three." These comments showcase his self-deprecating humor and willingness to play along with the media narrative around his transformation.
Cohen also mentioned his mid-life crisis in one of his Stories, stating, "hard launching my mid-life crisis" and "debuting my new character: middle aged man who replaced beer with protein shakes." His playful approach to aging and fitness resonates with many fans and followers.
In another post, he emphasized that the photos were not AI-generated, writing, "This AI...NOT!" while tagging Marvel Studios and using the hashtag #shirtlessMephisto. Mephisto is the name of the Marvel Comics character he recently played in the MCU. He concluded his series of posts by thanking his personal trainer, Alfonso Moretti, for enduring his 25-minute daily sessions.
Alfonso Moretti also shared the magazine photos on his Instagram, expressing pride in Cohen’s achievement. He wrote, "Sacha trusted my process and followed the plan exactly. Not only did he earn better health and fitness with incredible aesthetics… but also… The COVER of Men’s Fitness!!!" He added, "From Borat to Buff full article coming this Friday! For now, enjoy the pictures. Tell me he doesn’t look absolutely incredible!"
Moretti hinted that readers would learn more about how Cohen achieved his fit physique in the upcoming issue, set to release on July 25. This adds an extra layer of anticipation for fans eager to see the behind-the-scenes details of his transformation.
Cohen recently portrayed Mephisto in the season finale of Ironheart on July 1. Mephisto is a villain in the Marvel Comics universe, first appearing in Silver Surfer #3 in December 1968. Created by Stan Lee and John Buscema, the character is based on Mephistopheles, a demon from the Faust legend.
At a recent press event, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige confirmed that Cohen will reprise his role as Mephisto in future projects. He highlighted the significance of the character, noting that Mephisto played a crucial role in Thanos' storyline in the comics. Feige emphasized the potential for Mephisto's continued presence in the MCU, stating that the character's introduction opens up new storytelling possibilities.
Feige's comments reflect the growing interest in expanding the MCU with complex and nuanced characters like Mephisto. As the franchise continues to evolve, the inclusion of such characters adds depth and intrigue to the overall narrative. Fans are eagerly awaiting further developments and the next chapter in Cohen's journey within the MCU.