He bulked up for Marvel's 'The Eternals'

Kumail Nanjiani Opens Up About His Body Transformation In 'Men's Health'

Kumail Nanjiani went viral in late 2019 for his bodily transformation. The actor had put on muscle to prepare for his role in Marvel's The Eternals. Now he's opening up about the life-changing experience.

The MCU's first gay superhero stars in the film

'The Eternals' Movie Will Feature Marvel's First LGBTQ Kiss

Kumail Nanjiani joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2020's The Eternals. To prepare for the role, the actor put on muscle and got into serious shape. Photos of his bodily transformation "broke the internet" late last year.

Nanjiani, who will portray "Kingo" in The Eternals, spoke to Men's Health about the experience of toning his bodily appearance.

Men's Health: Kumail Nanjiani is the April 2020 cover star

But the actor revealed to Men's Health that the experience led to self-image difficulties. "I don’t want to discount people who genuinely have debilitating body issues," Nanjiani said. "I don't have that. But I did start getting some body dysmorphia. I'd look in the mirror and I'd see my abs – and when I looked again, they would fade. I would just see the flaws."

"When I saw that reaction was when I was like, 'Okay, I clearly don’t see what’s actually there.' It’s something I’m trying to be aware of and be better at, because that’s not a good way to be. You want to be easy on yourself."

The Eternals and Kumail Nanjiani movies

Kumail Nanjiani stars in Marvel's The Eternals, an ensemble cast superhero movie which comes out on November 6, 2020. He's also known for his lead role in The Big Sick, which he co-wrote with his wife, Emily V. Gordon, in 2017. The couple received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay for their film. The Pakistani-born Nanjiani also appeared on HBO's Silicon Valley, and is a stand-up comedian.

In case you missed it, revisit Nanjiani's "internet breaking" social media photos from December 2019.