GMA Brandtalk
Tracking
Archives
Kumail Nanjiani's body transformation for Marvel's 'Eternals' spark steroid accusations
Kumail Nanjiani has gone viral anew as his old body transformation photos resurfaced online.
In said photos found on his Instagram, the American-Pakistani actor, comedian and writer could be seen flexing some enormous arms and pecs while wearing tight t-shirts at home. The photos were posted in December 2019.
Kumail had beefed up in preparation for his role in Marvel’s upcoming film “Eternals," and it seems that people are not yet over it. He recently posted new Instagram photos, sparking an online debate.
While many netizens praised Kumail for his fitness journey, he had also drawn steroid abuse accusations.
“Every celebrity transformation is due to steroids but kumail's is a lot more egregious because his head is changing shape,” one netizen tweeted.
Fans, however, quickly came to Kumail’s defense, pointing out how other actors have dramatically transformed their bodies for superhero roles.
“Anyone wanna talk about how we're so eager to lather people like Chris Evans and Chris Pratt for getting beyond jacked for movie roles, but once Kumail Nanjiani does it, it's grotesque and shame-worthy?” one netizen asked.
In his 2019 post, the actor said it was the result of a lot of hard work and training after finding out he was going to be in “Eternals” the year prior.
“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,” Kumail said.
“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,” he added. “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 also landed on the cover of Men’s Health in March last year.
Kumail is set to play Kingo Sunen in Marvel’s “Eternals” expected to be released in 2021. He will star alongside Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden and Salma Hayek.
Nanjiani is primarily known for his role in the HBO series “Silicon Valley.” The Pakistani-American comedian, actor, screenwriter, and podcaster also appeared in several films including “The Big Sick,” which he wrote himself, “Dolittle,” “Fist Fight,” “Stuber,” “Goosebumps” and more. —Margaret Claire Layug/JCB, GMA News
