When most people think of Mark Wahlberg, bulging biceps and chiseled abs probably come to mind.
But the 49-year-old actor, known for his strict fitness regimen, is giving up his ripped physique in order to transform for an upcoming movie role.
Wahlberg wrote on Instagram on Saturday that he “weighs about 20” pounds – and plans to “climb another 20”.
“Yes, it’s for a role,” he added, captioning a video of himself in the gym.
Although Wahlberg hasn’t said what role he’s gaining weight for, the actor revealed it during an appearance in early April on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” that he was planning on gaining weight to play a fighter turned priest in an upcoming movie.
“After doing the boxing scenes, I can gain as much weight as possible during the movie,” Wahlberg said. “So I challenge myself to gain 30 pounds in the next six weeks.
And Wahlberg is committed to the challenge, returning to his Instagram on Tuesday with side-by-side photos comparing his body three weeks ago to what it looks like now.
The actor told Kimmel he was working with a professional to gain weight as healthily as possible.
“Dude, I’ve been on such a diet for so long, I just wanna eat whatever I see,” he says. “I want to go to the bakeries. I want to go to Denny’s. I want to have pancakes. I want to have whatever I can possibly get my hands on.
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When asked what his first meal would be when he was trying to gain weight, Wahlberg suggested a meal of 20 chicken nuggets, hot Kentucky Fried Chicken wings, and a six-pack of beers.
Wahlberg isn’t the only celebrity to show off a body transformation. Will Smith, 52, took to Instagram on Sunday to share how he’s let his fitness slip, and then teased an upcoming fitness-focused YouTube series with the working title ‘The best shape of my life’ .
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“I’m going to be very smart – I’m in the worst shape of my life,” the actor / rapper wrote in the photo which showed his chest, stomach and legs. Following the show’s announcement, Smith shared a more revealing Instagram post, explaining how he gained the extra pounds.
“It’s the body that carried me through a whole pandemic and countless days grazing in the pantry,” he wrote in the caption. “I love this body, but I want to feel better. No more midnight muffins… that’s it!
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Contributor: Erin Jensen