2025-07-23T21:03:00Z

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Can you believe Sacha Baron Cohen, the wild and wacky genius behind 'Borat', has transformed into a muscular Marvel villain? His latest cover story for Men’s Fitness U.K. has fans buzzing, showcasing a jaw-dropping body transformation he undertook to don the role of Mephisto in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

This transformation isn't just about hitting the gym; Cohen is hilariously candid about his approach. In his playful Instagram posts, he joked about using a trifecta of support: "Some celebs use Ozempic and some use private chefs, others use personal trainers. I did all three," he quipped alongside shirtless photos that flaunt his impressive physique. He didn’t hold back, declaring, "This is not AI. I really am egotistical enough to do this," showcasing both his self-awareness and that classic Cohen humor.

In another lighthearted jab, he introduced his new character as the “Middle-aged man who replaced beer with protein shakes,” adding a personal touch by calling it a “hard launching of his mid-life crisis.” It’s this blend of humor and vulnerability that resonates with fans, proving that even the most outrageous comic minds experience everyday life challenges.

Marvel fans had long anticipated the arrival of Mephisto, hoping for his appearance in earlier projects like “WandaVision.” Now, with Cohen’s introduction in the Disney+ series “Ironheart,” excitement is palpable. Ryan Coogler, producer of “Ironheart” and director of “Black Panther,” expressed his delight in seeing Cohen’s character introduced at this moment: “I just absolutely love that we’re not meeting him in ‘WandaVision’ or ‘Agatha [All Along].’ You’re meeting him through this stressed-out, young Black genius.”

Coogler emphasized the cleverness of the reveal, suggesting that introducing Mephisto in such an unexpected setting—a pizza shop in Chicago—was a stroke of creative genius that aligns perfectly with the trickster nature of the character. The head writer Chinaka Hodge described the decision to incorporate Cohen's Mephisto as a “collaborative effort,” reflecting the team-oriented spirit behind the scenes. She praised the process and the guidance of those involved, noting one individual who was instrumental in leading the team to this exciting decision.

While the timeline for Cohen’s next appearance as Mephisto remains a mystery, one thing is certain: he will be in remarkable shape! As fans await this next chapter in the Marvel saga, they can’t help but wonder what other surprises Cohen has in store. After all, when it comes to Sacha Baron Cohen, expect the unexpected!