Setting the Scene: Hollywood’s Muscle Mania
We’ve all seen them, the jaw-dropping body transformations of actors preparing for roles as superheroes, athletes, or larger-than-life personalities. These astonishing metamorphoses are usually followed by a media blitz—celebrity workout routines, diet plans, and even the inevitable “get ripped like [insert actor’s name here]” headlines. But what impact do these glorified portrayals have on the public, especially young men? While the glamorization of drastic body transformations isn’t a new phenomenon—Robert De Niro notably gained over 60lbs for Scorsese’s Raging Bull back in 1980—the 21st century has taken it to new heights.
“During the mid-2010s, at the height of the superhero boom, it felt like you couldn’t go five minutes on the internet without someone mentioning X-actor’s incredible body transformation for an upcoming role.”
A24’s The Iron Claw: Reigniting the Debate
Just when it seemed like the trend was losing steam, A24’s upcoming movie, The Iron Claw, throws fuel on the fire. Centered around the Von Erich wrestling family, the film seems set to revive the discourse around Hollywood’s infatuation with almost godlike physiques.
“The Iron Claw Features Pro-Wrestling Physiques.”
It’s essential to clarify that physical transformations for roles are not inherently problematic. When it comes to biopics or stories based on real people, it’s crucial for actors to resemble the characters they’re portraying. The issue arises when the promotional material for such films exaggerates these extreme lifestyles as both attainable and healthy.
“The issues arise when the promotional material for films that feature such body transformations excessively highlights the workouts and training regimes and presents them to audiences as naturally attainable and healthy.”
The Dangers of Unrealistic Standards
Remember the mid-2010s? YouTube was flooded with videos of fitness influencers “training like superheroes,” or personal trainers detailing how they prepared celebrities for physically demanding roles. While the industry appeared to shift toward more achievable body representations—Black Panther: Wakanda Forever being a recent example—the damage is already done.
New research indicates that an alarming 17% of teenage boys struggle with disordered eating. The term “bigorexia,” or muscle dysmorphia, has entered our lexicon, describing a condition where individuals are obsessed with gaining muscle mass, sometimes to dangerous extremes. Even the stars who undergo these transformations aren’t immune. Kumail Nanjiani of Eternals and Robert Pattinson of The Batman have both discussed the mental health strain of their body transformations.
“Muscle dysmorphia, commonly known as ‘bigorexia,’ is a psychological condition in which the affected individual, almost always as a result of external influences, never feels muscular enough.”
The Industry’s Unwillingness to Change
While Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White in The Iron Claw may just be the latest in a long line of actors radically altering their bodies for roles, the industry seems slow to recognize the harmful effects these portrayals can have on the public.
“However, it is sad and worrying that the industry still hasn’t learned of the negative connotations of over-exposing impressionable audiences to such physiques and, within a film’s joint promotional material with other fitness companies, conveying the body types as achievable and healthy.”
Mark your calendars for December 22, 2023, when The Iron Claw hits theaters. Yet, as you watch these actors in their wrestling personas, keep in mind the backstage narrative—an industry that continues to push unrealistic standards and the toll it takes on society.
Final Take
The allure of the silver screen often blurs the lines between fiction and reality, especially when it comes to the human body. While The Iron Claw is undoubtedly keenly anticipated, its upcoming release prompts a crucial question: When will Hollywood stop selling dreams at the expense of mental and physical health? And perhaps, more importantly, when will we stop buying?
