Jul 24
Sacha Baron Cohen’s Muscular Marvel Mephisto Makeover
READ TIME: 5 MIN.
Sacha Baron Cohen, known for his comedic and often subversive roles in films like Borat and Brüno, has stunned audiences with a dramatic new look. The 52-year-old actor, long recognized for his wit and satirical edge, now sports a muscular physique as he prepares to embody Mephisto, the enigmatic villain at the heart of Marvel’s next cinematic phase. The reveal, gracing the cover of Men’s Fitness UK this week, has ignited conversation well beyond the Marvel fandom, reaching LGBTQ+ circles and sparking dialogue about transformation, authenticity, and the meaning of representation in blockbuster media .
Baron Cohen’s career has been defined by radical transformation, but his latest metamorphosis is physical as much as it is performative. Fans first caught wind of the change when Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige confirmed that Mephisto would anchor the next chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), following a surprise debut in the Ironheart finale on Disney+ . The newly muscular Cohen appears almost unrecognizable from his earlier screen personas—a testament to the lengths actors are willing to go for their craft.
To prepare, Baron Cohen sought guidance from fellow actor Matthew McConaughey, who referred him to Alfonso “The Angry Trainer” Moretti. According to Moretti, Cohen arrived with “the core strength of an arthritic jellyfish,” but quickly revealed “an athlete in hiding” as the training regimen ramped up. The actor’s commitment was confirmed by his own social media post, humorously captioned, “This Is Not AI… Hard Launching My Mid-Life Crisis” .
While superhero transformations are nothing new in Hollywood, Cohen’s journey has sparked particular interest within LGBTQ+ communities. The intersection of body image, masculinity, and authenticity is a familiar topic for many queer and transgender people who navigate societal expectations around gender presentation every day. Cohen’s visible, public transformation has opened space for broader conversations about who gets to define what a “superhero body” looks like, and how media portrayals impact the self-image of LGBTQ+ viewers .
LGBTQ+ advocates note that while hyper-masculinized superhero bodies have often excluded or erased queer and trans narratives, Cohen’s history of playing with gender and identity on screen allows him to bring a fresh perspective to the role. In past works, such as Brüno, Cohen challenged stereotypes and highlighted the absurdities of rigid gender norms. His latest transformation, while rooted in the demands of the Marvel franchise, invites viewers to reflect on the performative aspects of gender and power, and the possibilities for subverting expectations, even within mainstream cinema.
Within hours of the Men’s Fitness UK cover hitting newsstands, social media exploded. LGBTQ+ content creators and fans alike shared memes, commentary, and thoughtful reflections on the ways Cohen’s image both challenges and reinforces traditional superhero archetypes. Some praised the transparency and humor with which Cohen addressed his transformation, noting that his “hard launch” of a so-called mid-life crisis playfully undercuts the often-secretive culture of physical transformation in Hollywood .
Others have pointed to the importance of representation behind the scenes. With Marvel signaling a greater commitment to diversity in casting and storytelling, the hope is that future films will not only showcase a broader spectrum of bodies and identities but also foster spaces where LGBTQ+ actors and creators can thrive. As Baron Cohen steps into the role of Mephisto—a character defined by ambiguity, temptation, and transformation—the symbolism is not lost on queer fans who have long found resonance in stories of reinvention and resistance.
Marvel Studios’ decision to center Mephisto in its upcoming phase is a significant move. Kevin Feige described the character as “a devil who presents Faustian bargains to hero characters,” hinting at storylines rich in moral complexity and emotional depth . For LGBTQ+ audiences, the promise of more nuanced, layered characters—and the potential for actors like Baron Cohen to bring subtext and satire to even the most fantastical roles—is a welcome development.
As anticipation builds for Mephisto’s future appearances, the conversation around Sacha Baron Cohen’s transformation continues to evolve. For many, his new look is more than a Hollywood spectacle; it is an opportunity to reflect on the stories we tell about bodies, identity, and transformation—and to imagine a superhero universe where everyone can see themselves reflected.
