This is too much, being in shape is one thing, but for ages we've had the unending, unattainable creeping level of fitness for superheroes. Look at how much BIGGER Hugh Jackman had to get as Wolverine each time; compare X-men 1 to Days of Future Past. https://t.co/5oiDo79Etu pic.twitter.com/eS6Nantfky
— Dave J. Dixon | Voice actor| SF6 HYPE (@Shockdingo) November 26, 2023
So today’s post is inspired by this Twitter thread. So first, Paul Rudd discusses how restrictive his diet was for “Ant Man.”
Then the commenter, Dave J. Dixon, uses Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine as another example. Jackman was a relatively last-minute replacement for Dougray Scott, so he didn’t get much time to prep physically. Maybe his X-Men 1 look would be a bit more toned if he had that time.
However, the gulf between the look for X1 and X Men Origins: Wolverine is still huge.
The commenter’s point is that there is now a new benchmark for any superhero. He uses the word “unattainable,” which some pedantic people get stuck on. It is attainable, but not for the average person. Jackman worked out hours a day, with a restrictive diet, and also dehydrated for three days to achieve the look for Origins. The look is not attainable for the average person.
Antman isn’t a superhero known for his ripped physique but even he has to get a topless scene to show off his abs and low body fat.
Of course, the internet isn’t good with nuanced arguments.
“He’s a superhero, he’s supposed to look super.”
Yeah, the point is that such a look is not easy or sustainable for the average person. With the heavy workouts, dehydration etc. it could cause long-term effects. We could start seeing kidney problems pop up for actors going through these transformations, the same way they’ve popped up for some UFC fighters who cut a lot of weight.
And again, Antman wasn’t known in the comics for a shredded physique. Was his diet really that necessary for the character?
The standard set by superhero movies has led to this pic of Jason Momoa getting ridiculed for “dad bod.”
Pictured above: dad bod.
Because Momoa has not avoided carbs and sugar for months, along with working out for months (and maybe some dehydration) people think he looks out of shape here.
The standard for being in shape keeps being pushed higher. Which is what Dixon says in another post in the thread:
“I’m talking about the creeping/increasing scales or demands. It’s not just “you bro, looking fit!” it’s the demand that the studios aren’t ever satisfied, they want these guys to keep pushing further & bigger.”
One interesting thread is all the bitterness people display about actors.
You were right. They just don’t want to hear or acknowledge anything reasonable, because like the studios, they don’t care what the actors and actresses have to endure as long as they get the result they want.
— Elle(@ddyschaton_noir) November 26, 2023
Yes, I get it. They’re rich and famous. Does that take away from the point being made? Does that mean the original comment is invalid. People don’t care if these looks put the actors through hell since they get paid for it.
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