‘Not AI': Sacha Baron Cohen unveils ripped new physique
The 53-year-old actor appears topless and glistening on the UK addition of Men's Fitness, set for release on Friday, detailing his adopted workout regime for his role as the devilish Mephisto in Marvel's Ironheart series.
Sharing scarcely believable images from the photoshoot to his Instagram stories, Cohen confirmed his look was 'not AI', but that he had adopted all manner of assistance to achieve it. He is best known for his iconic comedy roles Ali G and Borat, but here is Sacha Baron Cohen as you have never seen him before. Credit: Simon Needham/Men's Fitness UK / Simon Needham/Men's Fitness UK
Even methods many celebs would never admit to.
'This is not AI, I really am egotistical enough to do this,' he said.
'Some celebs use Ozempic, some use private chefs, others use personal trainers. I did all three.'
The star reportedly had just three weeks to get in shape for the role, based on the comic book character with demon-like qualities.
Cohen and ex-wife Isla Fisher officially divorced in June, with the star acutely aware that his drastic transformation might be perceived as a cry for help. The actor, 53, has undergone a superhuman transformation as he steps into the Marvel universe as a devilishly good-looking demon. Credit: Simon Needham/Men's Fitness UK / Simon Needham/Men's Fitness UK
Writing and starring as faux-real characters Borat, Bruno, and Ali G, the star suggested the latest version of himself was not comparable to any other.
'Hard launching my mid-life crisis,' he captioned another unrecognisable photo.
'Debuting my new character: Middle aged man who replaced beer with protein shakes.'
He then reinforced that his rippling new exterior was not AI-generated, and thanked his trainer for 'putting up with me for 25 mins a day'. Posing shirtless for the fitness magazine cover, Sacha looked incredible Credit: Simon Needham/Men's Fitness UK / Simon Needham/Men's Fitness UK
Cohen attended Wimbledon in London in mid-July, though with the All England Lawn Tennis Club's strict dress code, was not encouraged to offer a glimpse of his transformed torso.
However, this very public virtual gun show has left fans, and fellow stars, with jaws on the floor.
'Is this AI?' TV personality Chelsea Handler asked in the comments.
'And hes 53. Dude looks incredible,' another said. He revealed he had just three weeks to get into superhero shape, putting in the 'hard work' ready to portray Mephisto, a devil-like figure who makes Faustian bargains. Posing shirtless for the fitness magazine cover, Sacha looked incredible as he showed off his chiselled abs and toned arms. Credit: Simon Needham/Men's Fitness UK / Simon Needham/Men's Fitness UK
Others couldn't pass up the opportunity to reference his extensive list of iconic film lines.
'I get personal trainer, he cannot afford…very nice!' one comment read, invoking the voice of Borat.
'Very nice! How much?' one more chimed in. Sacha Baron Cohen as Borat. Credit: Supplied
Other fans targeted the star's marital status, with one claiming, 'Divorce is the best type of protein'.
Another added, 'Guys will do anything post divorce except go to therapy,' and tagged his ex-wfe.
Cohen and Fisher married in 2010 and share two daughters. Actors Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher divorced after 13 years of marriage. Credit: Ian Gavan / Getty Images
In defence of his latest form, the actor's personal trainer came to his defence to reinforce the hard work required to achieve it.
'Hi everyone. I'm Alfonso, The Angry Trainer. I worked with Sacha. For anyone that thinks this is Ai, you're right. Completely.Ai as in Absolutely incredible!' he said.
'This Friday you'll learn how committed and disciplined Sacha is and how hard he worked to achieve this.'It's nonsense to suggest these images are Ai, manipulated or photoshopped. I have the raw images and video.'Sacha EARNED every accolade for this transformation. FULL STOP.'
The full story on Cohen's lifestyle change and upcoming role will be revealed on Friday, though he offered a nugget of advice to those who feel they don't have time to make such a change.
Delivered with his signature wit, of course.
'I now believe that just 20 to 30 minutes of movement a day can make a real difference — and it's something that anyone can fit into their routine, especially celebrities with personal assistants to do all the boring stuff like shopping and attending friends' funerals' he said.
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