Will Poulter Opens Up About His Superhero Transformation In 'Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 3'

In a recent interview, Will Poulter discussed his physical transformation for his role in "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" and how he views exercise as a means to sustain his mental and emotional well-being. The actor also opened up about his experience with body shaming.

Poulter advocates against bullying and uses his platform to raise awareness of anti-bullying initiatives. In 2017, he dressed up as the "Toy Story" character Sid Phillips, who online trolls had compared to him during anti-bullying week.

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Will Poulter recently opened up about his physical transformation for his role as Adam Warlock in the Marvel film, "Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 3?" The 30-year-old actor, who starred alongside Chris Pratt, underwent a rigorous and demanding process to add muscle to his naturally slight frame.

In a candid interview with GQ Hype, Poulter spoke about his journey to becoming a superhero and how he doesn't consider himself to be "conventionally attractive." "All I know is I worked as hard as I could, safely and naturally, to pass as a superhero conceivably," he said. "If that isn't enough for people, fair enough, but I'm not prepared to compromise on how I went about it."

The "Black Mirror: Bandersnatch" actor added, "I can't be an advocate for mental health and simultaneously be promoting anything other than responsible and natural bodybuilding. I wouldn't want anyone to feel like I'm suggesting there is a body type that is better than anybody else's body type."

Poulter previously credited Pratt for helping him get into shape for the role. However, he admitted that the intense workout regime he underwent to achieve his muscular physique was not something he would recommend to others.

As an actor, scrutiny of his physical appearance is something the "Midsommar" star has become accustomed to, despite not considering himself "conventionally attractive." Poulter revealed that people have often commented about his unique features, including his eyebrows, but he remains comfortable and secure in his appearance. "It was weird when people started to debate my physical appearance online as to whether it was deemed attractive or unattractive," he said.

The actor also shared his concerns about the focus on physical appearance in society and the damaging impact of social media. "Why are we discussing or spending so much time discussing people's physical appearance?" he questioned.

"Especially in the case of women. But whether you're male or female, why is that the focus so much? Unfortunately, social media has created this problematic idea that everyone's opinion on everything matters equally," he added.

According to Poulter, exercise has been a saving grace as he navigates life in the spotlight. Despite mixed feelings towards his physical transformation for "Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 3," he shared that "physical exercise has been the thing that has sustained me more than anything else."

Poulter credits his long-term agent, Christian Hodell, for introducing him to exercise when he was just 16 years old, stating, "I have been physically active for years thanks to my long-term agent Christian [Hodell], whom I've been with since I was 16 years old. I was going through a tough time mentally, and he said, 'Get in the gym.'"

Initially doubting the benefits, Poulter shared his objection, saying, "And I was like, 'I don't think putting on muscle is going to help me feel mentally better.' And he was like, 'No, it will feel great.' He said this was the best part of 10 years ago, and it did change my life," he concluded.

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In response to body shaming from online bullies, Poulter took a strong stand against bullying by dressing up as the "Toy Story" character Sid Phillips for Halloween in 2017. Initially, fans were confused by his choice as they thought he hated the comparisons between him and the cartoon character. However, he revealed that his decision was rooted in a much more serious cause.

"I did do it in light of some of the comparisons between Sid and me from 'Toy Story' that were going around on the internet," Poulter explained, per Daily Mail. "I work with Anti-Bullying Pro and the Diana Award; I did it during the anti-bullying week to raise awareness of that organization," he added.