Sacha Baron Cohen, widely known for his comedic and satirical characters such as Borat and Ali G, has stunned fans with a dramatically transformed, jacked physique, a look he debuted shortly after his surprise appearance as Mephisto in Marvel’s Disney+ series Ironheart. The 53-year-old actor showcased his new muscular build on the cover of Men’s Fitness U.K., featuring bulging biceps, a six-pack, and a freshly shaven beard, a stark contrast to his previous roles.
From Comedian to Marvel Villain: A Physical Transformation
Cohen’s physical transformation has garnered significant attention, with many fans expressing shock and amazement at his new look. His commitment to embodying his characters, for which he is well-known, seems to have extended to his Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) role as Mephisto, the notorious supervillain often described as the Marvel comics’ equivalent of Satan.
The Road to a Jacked Physique
To achieve his ripped physique, Cohen worked with celebrity trainer Alfonso Moretti, also known as “The Angry Trainer.” The actor revealed that his regimen included 100 push-ups a day, and his diet was high in fiber and protein, with low sugar content. Cohen humorously attributed his transformation to a “mid-life crisis” and a combination of factors, joking on Instagram, “Some celebs use Ozempic, some use private chefs, others use personal trainers. I did all three.” He also told Men’s Fitness U.K. that he believes “just 20 to 30 minutes of movement a day can make a real difference.”
Interestingly, Cohen reportedly sought advice from Matthew McConaughey, who then connected him with Moretti. Moretti initially described Cohen’s body as “like a ruler — straight up and down,” and the studio had even considered prosthetic muscles, which ultimately proved unnecessary.
Mephisto’s Debut and Future in the MCU
Sacha Baron Cohen made his unannounced MCU debut as Mephisto in the season finale of Ironheart, which premiered on July 1. His casting had been a subject of much speculation prior to his appearance. In the series, Mephisto is revealed to have granted powers to the main villain, Parker Robbins (The Hood), and later makes a bargain with Riri Williams (Ironheart) to bring back a loved one.
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has confirmed that Cohen will reprise his role as Mephisto in future MCU projects. While specific projects or release dates have not been detailed, Feige hinted at a significant future for the character, noting his “formative” role in the comics, including his involvement in Thanos’s storyline. Despite previous fan theories, Feige clarified that Mephisto was never intended to appear in WandaVision, though the enthusiasm for his theorized inclusion was acknowledged.
Cohen’s dramatic physical transformation suggests a serious commitment to his role as the formidable demon lord, leaving fans eager to see how Mephisto will continue to impact the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
