Sacha Baron Cohen: "Ozempic Helped My Marvel Glow-Up"
Sacha Baron Cohen, 53, has revealed the secret behind his dramatic physical transformation for his upcoming role as Marvel’s demonic villain Mephisto and he isn’t shying away from the truth.
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The British actor and comedian, known for his offbeat characters like Borat and Ali G, told Men’s Fitness UK that his shredded new look was the result of hard work, and help from some well-known tools. “Some celebs use Ozempic, some use private chefs, some use personal trainers. I did all three,” he wrote, reposting his cover shoot to Instagram.
“This is not AI. I really am egotistical enough to do this,” he joked. “Debuting my new character: middle-aged man who replaced beer with protein shakes.”
The shoot, which showcased Baron Cohen’s defined abs and lean physique, marks a striking change from his past comedic image. The transformation came with personal significance, too, as it followed his 2023 split from actress Isla Fisher after more than 20 years together.
To achieve the superhero shape, Baron Cohen had only three weeks, and he turned to actor Matthew McConaughey for a lifeline. McConaughey connected him with celebrity trainer Alfonso Moretti, known for his last-minute fitness miracles. In their very first FaceTime call, Moretti asked Cohen to strip to his underwear so he could assess the starting point.
“Thanks @theangrytrainer for doing the unthinkable: putting up with me for 25 minutes a day,” Baron Cohen quipped in his post.
Instead of grueling hours in the gym, the transformation relied on brief but focused workouts and a strict high-protein, high-fiber, low-sugar diet. “25-minute workouts that were sustainable. Even while filming, the workouts happened,” he said. “In the past, I would've thought you needed hour-long sessions.”
He candidly admitted his starting point wasn’t exactly heroic: “I had the core strength of an arthritic jellyfish.” But consistency won out, and the short sessions helped him maintain discipline even while on set.
By the second week, Cohen’s body had changed so much that Marvel’s wardrobe department reportedly had to spend $5,000 (£3,600) adjusting his costumes.
Trainer Alfonso Moretti also praised his client’s dedication, posting the magazine shoot to Instagram with a message of pride. “Could not be more proud,” he wrote.
Marvel boss Kevin Feige confirmed this month that Baron Cohen will portray Mephisto in the MCU, having made his on-screen debut in the finale of Ironheart earlier in July. The long-speculated arrival of Mephisto, a classic Marvel villain who bargains for human souls, marks a darker twist for the cinematic universe.
Known for his comedic brilliance and edgy satire, Baron Cohen’s shift into a muscled, menacing antagonist signals a bold new chapter in his career and, by his own admission, it took more than just willpower to get there.