July 24, 2025, 6:01 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Known for cult roles like Ali G, Borat, and Brüno, British actor Sacha Baron Cohen has secured a firm place in the world of comedy. But now he surprises with a completely different side–and in a role that has physically challenged him like never before.
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New Series Launch
In the new Marvel series “Ironheart,” which premiered on Disney+ on June 25, Baron Cohen takes on the role of Mephisto–a mysterious, demonic adversary who is set to play a key role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In the comics, Mephisto is already known as a complex antagonist who can unsettle even superheroes with his manipulations.1
Intensive Preparation for an Unusual Role
To do justice to the dark character, the 53-year-old had to gain significant muscle mass–and in a very short time. On the cover of the current Men’s Fitness, Baron Cohen appears with a defined upper body, toned and visibly stronger. This was made possible by a targeted fitness program and a strict diet–developed by personal trainer Alfonso Moretti, also known as “The Angry Trainer” on Instagram.
According to a report by the British magazine Men’s Fitness, the journey began with a call to fellow actor Matthew McConaughey, who connected Cohen with Moretti.2 What followed was a rigorous training concept with short but regular sessions: 100 push-ups daily, 25-minute workouts–even during filming. This was supported by a fitness app and virtual coaching sessions via FaceTime.
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Discipline Instead of Extreme Programs
Cohen’s transformation did not rely on hours-long gym sessions but on consistency. No crash diets, no radical methods–instead, a fiber-rich, protein-focused diet with little sugar. The focus was on everyday feasibility without elaborate calorie counting. Trainer Moretti once compared the principle to saving: It’s not about large sums at once, but small, daily investments.
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The strategy paid off. After just two weeks, the costume team had to repeatedly adjust Cohen’s Mephisto outfit–his body had changed so visibly. According to industry sources, around $5,000 was spent on spontaneous costume corrections.
From Comedy Star to Marvel Villain
Cohen’s physical development was not only visible. Mentally, the actor also showed change–motivated, disciplined, and open to new challenges. He described his collaboration with trainer Moretti, according to Men’s Fitness, as intense, demanding, and effective.
The coach himself was impressed by his prominent client’s commitment–and wrote on Instagram: “Sacha trusted my process and followed the plan exactly… Athletic. Fit. Strong. Healthy.”
With Mephisto, Sacha Baron Cohen enters new territory–moving away from comedy to a darker role in the Marvel Universe. But one thing remains: his sense of transformation and willingness to fully embrace a new role. Physically and mentally. And that’s what makes his transformation so impressive.