It is not unusual to see actors change their physiques in significant ways for a big role on the silver screen, but it is still impressive to see the extent to which they can change their bodies in such a short period of time. Mark Wahlberg is the latest example of just that. Usually known for full shoulders, thick forearms, and a midsection to be jealous of, the two-time Oscar-nominated actor (The Departed, The Fighter) packed on 20 of an eventual 30 pounds in just three weeks for his upcoming role as a boxer-turned-priest in the film tentatively titled Father Stu, of which he is also a producer.
Check out the before and after pictures that Wahlberg shared on his Instagram page on May 3, 2021. He is sporting sweat-doused hair, boxing trunks, six-pack abs, and a handlebar mustache in the before picture. In the after photo, he traded the boxing trunks for a bed, shaved off the handlebars, and loaded 20 pounds onto his frame:
View this post on Instagram
[Related: Watch Hafthor Björnsson Push His Limits On the Assault Bike With Annie Thorisdottir]
A hefty portion of Wahlberg’s recent Instagram activity is dedicated to inside looks at his efforts in the gym, which include biceps curls, pull-ups, and long distances on the rowing machine. Right before embarking on his bulking phase, Wahlberg was a guest on the late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live. He gave host Jimmy Kimmel the scoop on jumping from working on a film in the Dominican Republic right into the boxing training for his new role. Wahlberg did not mention the title of the film in the interview (nor has he mentioned it by name on his Instagram page).
After we do the boxing scenes, I get to put on as much weight as possible. I’m challenging myself to put on 30 pounds in the next six weeks.
He has certainly found the means to be successful in that challenge as he has gained just shy of one pound per day on average since that interview. Assuming he stays the course, we will likely see a second “after” photo.
Considering the last time Wahlberg was nominated for an Academy Award (best motion picture of the year) was for Fighter in 2011, wherein he played former WBU light-welterweight champion, Micky Ward, it seems that Wahlberg, boxing, and the big screen are a recipe for success.
Featured image: @markwahlberg on Instagram