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Marvel Star Will Poulter Says Superhero Body Transformations Are “Unhealthy” and “Unrealistic”

In the latest case of an actor confirming what we all already suspected, one of Marvel's newest stars, Will Poulter, has said, achieving a superhero body transformation is "unhealthy" and "unrealistic" without a studio paying for your meals and training.

"It’s difficult talking about it because with Marvel it’s all secret squirrel," he told The Independent in a wide-ranging interview last month. "But the most important thing is that your mental and physical health has to be number one, and the aesthetic goals have to be secondary. Otherwise, you end up promoting something that is unhealthy and unrealistic if you don’t have the financial backing of a studio paying for your meals and training. I’m in a very privileged position in that respect, and I wouldn’t recommend anyone do what I did to get ready for that job.”

The job Poulter is referring to is his role in next year's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, where he'll be playing Adam Warlock, a genetically engineered superhuman.

Later in the interview, Poulter explained exactly what he had to do to get into shape for the role.

“It’s been a lot of gym work and a very, very specific diet,” said Poulter. “Quantities of food you wouldn’t necessarily want to ingest, and other times not enough food. I’ve gone through a series of different diets over the last few months. Now I’m in a maintenance phase, which is quite nice. I’m not eating copious amounts of food to bulk, and I’m not cutting. I’m just maintaining my weight. I’ve gone through periods of looking at food and feeling like I can’t face it, and then you blink and the next minute you’re ready to eat furniture because you’re so hungry.”

For the last few months, Poulter revealed he’s been avoiding dinners with friends and abstaining from alcohol. The last time he drank was New Year’s Eve, and it’s fair to say he’s looking forward to being able to let loose again.

“The whole social side of your life has to take a back seat,” he said. “I’m in a routine that is so rigid that being able to go out for dinner with friends is not something I’ve been able to do. I’m looking forward to being able to again.”

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