Something very common in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is how Marvel Studios tends to cast comedic actors in major roles, then have them undergo a complete body transformation. The result are some really buff funny men, like Paul Rudd in Ant-Man. This is also the case with The Big Sick star Kumail Nanjiani, who’s starring in Marvel’s upcoming superhero film The Eternals. The comedian recently shared an image of himself on Instagram showcasing his new body for the film and…. somehow it’s not photoshopped.

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I never thought I’d be one of those people who would post a thirsty shirtless, but I’ve worked way too hard for way too long so here we are. You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain. I found out a year ago I was going to be in Marvel’s Eternals and decided I wanted to transform how I looked. I would not have been able to do this if I didn’t have a full year with the best trainers and nutritionists paid for by the biggest studio in the world. I’m glad I look like this, but I also understand why I never did before. It would have been impossible without these resources and time. So big thanks to @grantrobertsfit who started working with me at the beginning of the year and made me understand true physical pain for months and months. Then, once we started shooting, a massive thanks to @davidhigginslondon and his team (@ellispartridge, @thebeardypt, @tomcheesemanfitness) for training me almost every day and making me strong, limber and injury free. I can almost touch my toes now. (And thank you for forcing me to do cheat meals David.) Matthews Street Catering for their delicious and healthy meals. And finally, the biggest thanks goes to @emilyvgordon for putting up with me complaining and talking about only working out and dieting for the last year. I promise I’ll be interesting again some day. #thirstyshirtless (Photo by @markupson.) (edit: I left off one very important person: @lancecallahan who trained me for 6 years and helped me build the foundation I could use to do this. Thank you!)

A post shared by @ kumailn on Dec 16, 2019 at 8:10am PST

Kumali discussed the positive experience he had while working out to make sure his body stayed in this condition. He explained that he wanted to transform his body as soon as he was cast in The Eternals and had a full year training with professionals to reach this shape. He gave thanks to Grant Roberts, Lance Callahan, and David Higgins and his team for helping him become physically stronger, with special thanks aimed at his wife Emily Gordon for putting up with his complaints about the training regime.

While comedians becoming more physical fit for a blockbuster role is nothing new, it’s always great to see actors go through with these transformations. It shows the dedication and time they put into a role, even in a major franchise like the Marvel Cinematic Universe. For Kumali’s case in particular, it is also great to see him be so thankful for the people who helped him through this journey. Hopefully this will pay off big time for both Marvel and the comedian with audiences.

The Eternals is set for release November 6th 2020.