OK, that proves it. Marvel Studios basically is real-life super soldier serum.
Scoring superhero roles turned Chris Hemsworth from a sexy surfer into a god, Chris Pratt from a sitcom schlub into a hunky hero, and Paul Rudd from a handsome everyman into a handsome everyman with rockin’ abs.
But Kumail Nanjiani‘s body transformation may be the most impressive yet.
Photos: Teri Hatcher Shows Off Bikini Bod After 8 Week Fitness Challenge
For their most diverse project yet, The Eternals, Marvel spread its casting net wide to find the immortal heroes scattered around the earth to keep it safe. They ended up giving the role of Kingo to the most mild-mannered man on the planet, a comedian who literally had a bit about how Batman was too violent. And they turned him into a Men’s Health cover model.
We’ve been noticing the co-writer/star of The Big Sick looking more low-key buff lately…
…but totally not making a big thing of it.
However, on Monday Kumail finally bit the bullet and posted a couple shirtless pics to Instagram! And they are… well, just look!
YOWZA!!!
The comic couldn’t help but note how off brand the photos were, writing:
“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.”
He says villain, he means absolute snack!
But the Pakistani-American video game nerd isn’t done being thoughtful, pointing out how this isn’t just something anyone can do — because people who aren’t playing superheroes in Hollywood blockbusters are rarely afforded the time and support it takes:
“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.”
He then goes on to thank everyone who made it possible, including his wife and co-writer Emily V. Gordon “for putting up with me complaining and talking about only working out and dieting for the last year.” He joked:
“I promise I’ll be interesting again some day.”
Well, quite a few people are finding him very inneresting right now! And that includes Emily, who responded:
“Worth it.”
Ha! She later tweeted:
“My husband works hard for every role he takes, but he’s worked hard in many new ways for this one. I’m so proud of him. I always have been.
Also, we spent the majority of this past weekend playing Borderlands 3 so don’t think he’s changed too much.”
Amazing!
Some comedian friends were less than supportive and picked on him instead. (It’s their love language, what can you do.) Chelsea Handler joked:
“This is ridiculous. This means anyone can get fit.”
Jensen Karp declared:
“PHOTOSHOP”
Longtime comedy collaborator Jonah Ray had the meanest jab, teasing:
“I had burritos last night.”
Ha! We’re sure Kumail is allowed to have burritos, as long as the tortillas are made of salmon, and the filling is all broccoli… LOLz!
Others were supportive, if shocked. Whitney Cummings just wrote:
“???”
Similarly, Ali Wong posted:
“?”
Steve Agee said:
“Dude!”
Director Edgar Wright was also floored, saying:
“JESUS CHRIST”
Naturally some Queer Eye hosts noticed right away as well. Tan France wrote:
“ARE YOU F**KING KIDDING ME? I AM LIVID”
And fellow Fab Five member Jonathan Van Ness said:
“Yoooosss!!! I remember you telling me about this when we shot GoT – you slayed this and love your caption- good job love!!”
Ha! LOVES IT!
Kumail has always been a cutie, and hilarious to boot. But this is a serious sexy upgrade! Who’s YOUR favorite Marvel beefcake? Let us know in the comments (below)!
[Image via Eugene Powers/Ivan Nikolov/WENN/Comedy Central/Netflix/YouTube.]
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