Sacha Baron Cohen has unveiled his ripped physique in a front cover photo shoot, which the Borat and Ali G actor said is categorically ‘not AI’ after getting shredded for a Marvel role
Sacha Baron Cohen is flaunting his transformed physique after getting into shape for his latest Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) role.
The divisive performer graces the front of Men’s Fitness UK, appearing topless whilst gripping 30-pound weights in each hand.
In a collaborative Instagram post shared by both Sacha and the magazine on Wednesday, July 23, they unveiled the cover alongside additional shots from the feature showing him performing pull-ups, operating cable equipment and striking poses on a gymnasium bench.
Sacha posted several images from the shoot to his Instagram Stories, adding his own witty observations. “This is not AI, I really am egotistical enough to do this,” wrote Sacha, who completed his divorce from Isla Fisher in June, beneath the magazine cover.
On another photograph, he penned: “Some celebs use Ozempic, some use private chefs, others use personal trainers. I did all three.”
In subsequent Stories posts, Sacha declared he was “hard launching my mid-life crisis” and “debuting my new character: middle aged man who replaced beer with protein shakes.”
For his penultimate post, he stated “This AI…NOT!” whilst tagging Marvel Studios and using the hashtag shirtless Mephisto.
Mephisto is the Marvel Comics character he recently portrayed in the MCU, reports the Mirror US. He wrapped up by expressing gratitude to his personal trainer Alfonso Moretti “for doing the unthinkable – putting up with me for 25 mins a day.”
Alfonso also shared the magazine photos to his Instagram and said that he “could not be more proud” of Sacha.
“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! ! !” the personal trainer penned. “From Borat to Buff full article coming this Friday! For now, enjoy the pictures. Tell me he doesn’t look absolutely incredible!”.
He concluded by teasing that fans can discover how Sacha achieved his new physique in the issue releasing on Friday, July 25.
Sacha recently portrayed the villainous Mephisto in the season finale of Ironheart, which aired on July 1. Mephisto is a notorious character from the Marvel Comics, making his debut in Silver Surfer #3 in December 1968.
The character was brought to life by Stan Lee and John Buscema, drawing inspiration from Mephistopheles, a demon character from the Faust legend.
During a recent press event, Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, confirmed that Cohen would reprise his role as Mephisto in future projects, although he remained tight-lipped about their plans for the character.
“He’s another character that, pre-MCU, would have been hard to do. He’s a devil. How do you do that character? But he’s a formative character. He was a big part of Thanos’ storyline in the comics. So again, now that he’s here, the potential is clear,” Kevin shared with GamesRadar, speaking about Mephisto.