Chris Hemsworth will play Hulk Hogan in an upcoming Netflix biopic of the professional wrestler, in what’s set to be his most physically demanding role yet.
And on Wednesday, celebrity personal trainer Jono Castano Acero revealed the sort of gruelling diet and exercise regimen Chris will need to follow in order to achieve a physique akin to Hogan’s during his WWE heyday.
Jono, 28, whose clients include Rebel Wilson and Australian Bachelor Matty Johnson, told Daily Mail Australia that Chris’ transformation into the 1980s icon won’t be drastically different to beefing up for any other role.
‘With any transformation, diet, exercise and your mental state all play a big role in the outcome,’ explained Jono, who hasn’t worked with Chris personally.
He added: ‘Chris has always looked amazing in all his roles, so I am confident he can achieve this physique.
‘One of the most important aspects I get my clients to think about is why they want to make the change.’
The Sydney-based fitness guru continued: ‘Whether it’s health reasons or a big movie role, they are both driving forces behind wanting to make the change.’
‘Your mental state needs to be a positive one,’ he emphasised.
In order for Chris to transform naturally into Hulk Hogan – who has admitted to using steroids ‘to get big’ – the Aussie will need an overall increase in calorie intake from all macro nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and fats).
‘For my clients, we would look at a program that would start off with a calorie surplus whilst lifting heavier weights and upping the cardio closer to the goal date,’ Jono said.
‘An example program I would put a client on is a surplus in calories – so eating more calories than you’re burning – and lifting heavy weights with isolation days focusing on each body part.’
Jono recommended pairing this with multiple general workout sessions per day, plus a lot of stretching and taking supplements to assist recovery.
It comes after Chris, 36, spoke to Total Film magazine about his new role, which will be his biggest physical transformation ever.
‘This movie is going to be a really fun project. As you can imagine, the preparation for the role will be insanely physical,’ he said.
‘I will have to put on more size than I ever have before, even more than I put on for Thor,’ he added.
Earlier this year, the pro wrestling world reacted in anger after it was revealed an Australian had been cast as the American ’80s icon in the upcoming Netflix biopic.
Wrestling journalist Bryan Alvarez boldly said that Chris was not buff enough to play Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, adding that the actor was of ‘regular size’.
Alvarez said: ‘Chris Hemsworth just looks like a normal guy. He’s big, and yes he’s got long blonde hair, but… have you seen Hulk Hogan in the ’80s? He’s at least twice the size of Thor.’
