From Borat to Mephisto: Sacha Baron Cohen surprises with physical transformation.
The British actor Sacha Baron Cohen is primarily known for his iconic comedy figures such as Borat, Ali G or Brüno. In his new role in Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), however, he shows himself from a completely new side and puts on a striking physical transformation.
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Role as an antagonist
In the Disney+series “Ironheart”, which started on June 25th, Sacha Baron Cohen appears as Mephisto, a dark opponent in the Marvel cosmos. The figure is already known in the comics as a devilish antagonist who makes life difficult for the heroes. Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige recently confirmed at a press conference to US media that Mephisto will be the next big villain in the MCU.
For his presentation, the 53-year-old underwent an intensive fitness program with a visible result. Baron Cohen presents himself on the current cover of the UK magazine “Men’s Fitness” with a well-trained upper body and muscular appearance. A change that is due to a tight training regime and a targeted change in diet.
The actor on the cover of the magazine:
Training with personal trainer
According to a report from the “Deadline” industry portal, Cohen turned to acting colleague Matthew McConaugey to prepare for contact with personal trainer Alfonso “The Angry Trainer” Moretti. This got involved in the challenge and developed an intensive program that rely on short but effective units, including 100 push -ups per day and regular workouts, even during filming. In combination with a fiber and protein-rich and low-sugar diet, the transformation quickly occurred. After two weeks, the costume team Baron Cohens Outfit had to adjust several times.
Actor comments on change
The actor himself commented on his change on Instagram with the usual humor. Under the article by the magazine cover, he wrote: “This is not AI, I’m really selfish enough to do something like this.” In an Instagram story, he joked: “Some celebrities use Ozempic, some use private chefs, others in turn personal trainers. I tried all three methods.”
Controversy about Rebel-Wilson autobiography
In 2024 Sacha Baron Cohen was also in the headlines. At that time not because of his acting, but on the one hand because he and Isla Fisher separated after years of relationship. And made a few days before the announcement of the divorce Accusations by actress Rebel Wilson The round towards Cohen. In her memoirs “Rebel Rising” she dedicated a whole chapter to Sasha Baron Cohen – and makes no secret of the fact that in his opinion he remembered “Grimsby” as a “asshole” during filming together and remembered misconduct. Wilson later accused him of preventing the publication of her book with “high-priced lawyers or PR crisis managers”.
Baron Cohen vehemently denied Wilson’s allegations. “We know how important it is to express his opinion, but these demonstrably false claims are directly refuted by extensive detailed evidence, including contemporary documents, film material and eyewitness reports from people who were present before, during and after the production of The Brothers Grimsby,” said a spokesman for the actor.