From humble comedic roles to landing the lead in a colossal $2 billion franchise. Bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s son-in-law, Chris Pratt’s metamorphosis is not just a testament to his determination but also an embodiment of Hollywood’s evolving paradigms.

Chris Pratt wasn’t always the emblematic hero figure we recognize today. Before he portrayed the charismatic Star-Lord in Marvel’s beloved space opera, Pratt was known more for his affable, pudgy character Andy Dwyer in “Parks and Recreation.” But behind the laughs and charm of Dwyer was an actor with a burning desire to push boundaries and redefine his image.

Chris Pratt: The grueling regimen behind the transformation

Duffy Gaver, Pratt’s personal trainer, would often cite Pratt’s dedication as exemplary for other clients. It wasn’t the stardom that made Pratt the center of attention in the gym; it was his relentless work ethic. “He was just a guy who was killing himself in the gym,” Gaver stated. There was an actor who wasn’t just relying on his natural charm and talent. He was pushing the limits of his physique, drenching himself in sweat and panting from sheer exertion.

When Marvel Studios saw Pratt’s talent and brought him on board, they teamed him up with nutritionist Philip Goglia. Pratt faced a challenge: he had to eat 4,000 calories every day and follow a strict hydration plan based on his weight. While this might sound like an enviable feast for many, for Pratt it meant an endless cycle of eating and, in his own words, “peeing all day long, every day.” Yet, Pratt persevered.

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In just six months, Chris Pratt changed a lot. He got so fit that showing off his new body on “Parks and Recreation” became an issue. Andy Dwyer wasn’t supposed to have a body like a demigod. Showrunner Michael Schur was faced with a pleasant dilemma: “Andy is not a guy who has a perfectly constructed human form with ripped abs and gigantic biceps”. With this, Pratt had a big impact on the audience.

Breaking the Internet with his bodybuilding

Yet, it was in the sprawling domain of social media that Pratt’s efforts became an overnight sensation. A simple shirtless selfie with a cheeky caption, “Six months, no beer,” Pratt became really popular overnight. He was the first Marvel actor whose incredible physical change got everyone talking on the internet.

For a long time, Hollywood has promoted the idea of how women should look, often putting pressure on young actresses to meet unrealistic standards. But Marvel Studios did something different. They didn’t just focus on glamorous male bodies, but they consistently showed chiseled male superheroes. This changed the way we see male bodies, making them just as flexible and routinely displayed as objects of desire as female bodies have been for years.

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Chris Pratt’s transformation from an average guy to a leading Marvel superhero highlights his deep commitment to acting. His determination to overcome tough challenges is an inspiring example of what actors do for their craft. In Pratt’s journey, we see a mix of strong dedication and the changing standards of beauty in Hollywood.