How Brad Pitt Got That Body Back For 'Once Upon A Time' Shirtless Scene

Audience members who came out to the new Quentin Tarantino film dropped their jaws when they saw a location they loved transformed to exactly what it looked like in years past.

No, not making Hollywood look like it did in 1969 — we’re talking about Brad Pitt‘s torso!

In Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, the movie star plays stunt double to Leonardo DiCaprio. Throughout the film he’s shown to be almost preternaturally physically capable — he even holds his own against Bruce Lee for a minute — so it made sense the character would look just as fit.

But when Brad pulls off his shirt, theaters have been filled with audible gasps at the 55-year-old’s body transformation.

He looks just as ripped as when we first fell for that body back in 1991!

Brad Pitt Thelma and Louise — Brad was 27 when he stole our hearts (and everything else) as sexy drifter J.D. in Thelma and Louise.

So how did he do it??

A source in the new issue of People magazine says it’s actually simple. He just “really takes his workouts seriously” now:

“It’s been a whole lifestyle change. And he looks amazing.”

It seems to us there was a time before when he took his workouts really seriously.

When he played legendary warrior Achilles in 2004’s Troy, Brad reportedly worked out with a $5,000 per week trainer for up to FIVE HOURS A DAY.

Brad Pitt Troy — The results obviously speak for themselves.

So what changed right after that?

Hmm…

Oh, right.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie began their 11 year relationship after playing a married couple — Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie began their 11-year relationship after playing a married couple in Mr. & Mrs. Smith. / (c) Anthony Dixon/WENN

Look, we fear and mourn breakups, but if we’re being honest, sometimes they’re the best thing for us.

Sometimes romantic partners bring out the worst in us — and we don’t see it until we uncouple.

Look at Brad.

It isn’t just the abs he’s been putting time into. People‘s insider says ever since his split from Angie, the star is improving himself all around and has “worked very hard on himself to be a better, healthier person and to be the best dad possible.”

That all sounds great! We hate to say it, but if it took a marriage ending to push him to it, maybe the divorce was for the best.

And not just for him!

Don’t think we didn’t notice Angelina looking fabulous at San Diego Comic-Con as she was introduced as one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe‘s newest superheroes.