"Is This AI?" Fans Stunned by Sacha Baron Cohen's Transformation as He Bulks Up for Marvel Series Role

In the photo — sculpted shoulders, defined abs, powerful arms. "Is this really Sasha?" wonder the actor's Instagram followers.

Yes — this is indeed the star of "Borat" and "The Dictator," who transformed from an ironic clown into a muscular supervillain for his Marvel role.

Preparing for the Mephisto Role

The reason for this metamorphosis? Mephisto (The Demon). Baron Cohen played the villain in the series "Ironheart," where he appears in the first season finale and will apparently become a key villain in future Marvel projects.

According to Men's Fitness magazine, he had just three weeks to prepare for the role — and he didn't just get to work, he connected with Alfonso Moretti, a trainer known in Hollywood as the "Dictator of Discipline."

Actor Sacha Baron Cohen in a black tank top shows off his pumped muscles, on the right he's working out on exercise equipment — Sacha Baron Cohen during training

Moretti's method? No extremes — just daily consistency. 100 push-ups a day, short 25-minute workouts, video call sessions, training even after night shoots and in hotel rooms using suitcases instead of dumbbells. The results were so impressive that Marvel had to rush to alter his costumes — Sacha's body no longer fit the original size.

There Was Always an Athlete Inside Sacha

Baron Cohen didn't come to training from scratch. He practiced kickboxing, swam in open water, and physical activity was always the norm in his family: his father played rugby, his mother was a swimming champion, and his grandmother taught fitness until she was 99.

But he'd never achieved this level of physical fitness before. Now Sacha isn't just "that guy from Borat" — he's a surprisingly convincing Mephisto who can stand up to even Iron Man.

Why It's Important to Train and Stay in Shape Like Sacha

American medical expert Mallory Christopherson (certified specialist in chiropractic and sports medicine) states: physical exercise isn't just a way to "look good."

Actor Sacha Baron Cohen sits mounted on a horse, on the right he's on a magazine cover with dumbbells in his hands — Sacha Baron Cohen before and after

Regular activity positively affects mental health: it reduces stress levels, improves sleep quality, and enhances cognitive functions — attention, memory, and decision-making ability. Even 10 minutes of moderate exercise per day provides lasting effects comparable to psychological therapy.

Additionally, workouts slow age-related changes. Physical activity strengthens bones and muscles, reduces the risk of osteoporosis and mobility loss.

Strength exercises play a special role: they maintain muscle mass and help avoid injuries typical of mature age. This isn't just about aesthetics — it's about independence and long-term health.

Actor Sacha Baron Cohen with a beard and long hair stands against a blurred background — Sacha Baron Cohen as Mephisto

And finally, regular exercise means energy. It improves heart and lung function, speeds up metabolism, and increases endurance.

And we at zoomboola.com would add that after workouts, a person not only looks better but feels more energetic, more resistant to fatigue and illness. So train like Sacha, and let there be room for a hero in your life too — even if you start out looking like Borat. The key is consistency. And a little devilish discipline.