Hollywood adores an underdog transformation tale—particularly when accompanied by chiseled abs and superhero-strength muscles. But as the standard for leading-man physiques continues to ascend, so does wonder (and gossip) about exactly what goes into said dramatic transformations. Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie shares his expert opinion on which stars may have used a bit more than protein shakes and visits to the gym. Here’s a countdown of the 12 most discussed male makeovers in Hollywood, from the unexpectedly natural to the shockingly extreme.
12. John Krasinski – The “Natural” Glow-Up
Jim from The Office became an action star seemingly overnight, going from lovable paper salesman to ripped leading man in 13 Hours and Jack Ryan. Dr. Motykie calls Krasinski’s transformation “natural-looking,” crediting hard work, disciplined diet, and consistency over anything chemical. Even so, any dramatic glow-up in Hollywood invites whispers.
11. Vin Diesel – Muscle Maintenance at Any Age
Vin Diesel has been showing off his Fast & Furious body for decades. At age 56, Dr. Motykie speculates that Diesel might be on low-dose testosterone replacement therapy to keep himself pumped up, with some fluid retention and possible cosmetic enhancements. Diesel denies the use of steroids, crediting his appearance to protein shakes and hard work.
10. Chris Pratt – From Goofball to Guardian of the Galaxy
Chris Pratt’s transition from Parks and Recreation to Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy left audiences aghast. Dr. Motykie speculates that his lean, toned physique could include diet and training, as well as potential growth hormones or peptides. Either way, it’s an epic transformation—but not too exaggerated.
9. Jake Gyllenhaal – Boxing for the Big Screen
Gyllenhaal’s training for Southpaw physically changed him, receiving kudos for sheer commitment. Although Dr. Motykie isn’t highly suspecting steroids, there may be a minor involvement of growth hormones, considering minimal abdominal bloating. Jake attributes the outcome to intense sessions of boxing.
8. Hugh Jackman – Wolverine’s Legendary Physique
Jackman’s Wolverine physique is legendary, and rumors run rampant. Dr. Motykie cites Jackman’s age and vascularity as possible signs of testosterone or growth hormone supplementation. Jackman maintains it’s all hard work, disciplined diet, and relentless training.
7. Mark Wahlberg – Sudden Muscle Gains
Wahlberg’s rapid bulking for movies such as Pain and Gain is impressive—and eye-raising. Dr. Motykie observes his quick gains at age 40 and 50 may indicate PED use, though Wahlberg insists his gains are organic and the result of brutal routines beginning at 4 a.m.
6. Henry Cavill – The Superman Standard
Cavill’s Superman physique created a new superhero standard. Dr. Motykie speculates about some testosterone supplementation with Cavill entering his 40s, but says it’s less drastic than some on this list. Cavill denies steroids in public, attributing g to diligent training and diet.
5. Kumail Nanjiani – From Comedy Nerd to Comic Book Hero
Nanjiani’s transformation for The Eternals was jaw-dropping. Dr. Motykie highlights vascularity, broad shoulders, and abdominal changes as potential signs of growth hormone or testosterone use. Nanjiani has denied steroids, framing the transformation as deeply personal.
4. Jason Momoa – Aquaman’s Herculean Build
Momoa’s Aquaman physique is on par with Dwayne Johnson’s. Dr. Motykie compares to other bigger stars, hinting at the potential long-term use of growth hormone. Nevertheless, Momoa’s gym and diet commitment obviously play a tremendous part in his towering frame.
3. Zac Efron – Teen Idol to Wrestler Bulk
Efron’s transformation from High School Musical to Baywatch and The Iron Claw was nothing short of dramatic. Dr. Motykie cites bloating in the face and changes in the abdomen that may be indicative of testosterone. Efron has confessed to taking diuretics but not steroids.
2. Chris Hemsworth – The God of Thunder’s Incredible Gains
Hemsworth’s Thor body is the stuff of legend. Dr. Motykie guesses a regimen of testosterone, growth hormone, and peptides could be responsible for his quick, dramatic changes. Hemsworth’s Centr app highlights his rigorous training, but the pace and magnitude of his transformations are disputed.
1. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – Hollywood’s Ultimate Hulk
At the top of that list is The Rock. “It’s pretty obvious” some kind of enhancement is at play based on his age and muscle mass, according to Dr. Motykie. Johnson admits to steroid use during his teenage years but says he is steroid-free today, perhaps relying on testosterone therapy. Either way, his body is a combination of a hard-core work ethic and contemporary science.
Hollywood’s fixation on the ideal body won’t be slowing down anytime soon. Whether it’s sheer devotion, a bit of chemical enhancement, or a little of both, these makeovers continue to generate conversation—and amazement—about what can be done with the human body.