Noah Centineo surprised fans on August 25 by sharing a shirtless selfie that emphasized his intense physical transformation for his role as Ken Masters in the new film adaptation of the Street Fighter video game series. The actor flaunted defined six-pack abs and flexed his arm in the photo, signaling the significant preparation he has undergone for this part.
Alongside his muscular build, Centineo also showcased a fresh hairstyle with dirty blonde hair pushed back by a headband, completing his new look. He captioned the post with a nod to the game, calling himself a “Road brawler.”
Fan and Friend Reactions to Centineo’s New Appearance
The actor’s unexpected transformation quickly caught the attention of fans and friends alike on Instagram. Comments included playful surprise and astonishment, with one fan joking, “Did I miss a chapter??” and another expressing disbelief,
This is not the Noah Centineo I remember.
Celebrities from his circle also responded, with Rachel Zegler writing,
NOW HANG ON-
and Lukas Gage adding,
omgggggg.
Centineo’s Journey to Sobriety and Health
This striking physical change follows Centineo’s public discussion about his sobriety and health improvements earlier in the year. In February, he shared on the Chicks in the Office podcast that despite gaining financial stability and professional success, he struggled with unhappiness tied to substance use.
Reflecting on his past, Centineo revealed,
I was able to pay my bills for the first time. I was completely financially stable and secure. I was working regularly, and I was doing a lot of drugs. Nothing crazy. I was doing drugs a lot. And drinking all the time, every day and I was young.
He further explained,
I was 20 years old and I had been doing that for a couple years,
adding,
So, I had a career that I was proud of. I was making enough money to pay my rent and put a little bit away. You would think I should be super stoked and super happy, and I just wasn’t.
Centineo began his sobriety journey at 21 and though he briefly resumed drinking during filming in 2021, he has since recommitted to sobriety. He credits regular workouts as a grounding force during this phase.
The actor said,
Right now, I’m in one of those phases where I’m just not really doing anything and you just workout,
and continued,
And try and connect with yourself and take care of yourself as best as you can. Cause life’s trippy.
Other Celebrities Who Transformed Physically for Roles
Channing Tatum’s Weight Fluctuations for Film Projects
Channing Tatum experienced noticeable weight changes in 2024 as he prepared for two consecutive movies. In March 2025, the Magic Mike star revealed on Instagram that he currently weighed 205 pounds, up from the 172 pounds he maintained during the filming of Roofman. Prior to Roofman, Tatum had gained weight during production on Josephine, weighing 235 pounds for that role.
Timothée Chalamet’s Musical Preparation and Weight Gain
For his Academy Award-nominated portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, Timothée Chalamet not only learned to sing and play guitar but also gained 20 pounds to more closely resemble the musician.
I also put on 20 pounds,
Chalamet said in a January 2025 NPR interview,
because, believe it or not, I was thinner than the guy.
Cillian Murphy’s Intense Weight Loss for Historical Role
To embody scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s film Oppenheimer, Cillian Murphy lost a substantial amount of weight to capture the character’s slim and almost emaciated stature. Co-star Emily Blunt described the physical challenge, saying,
He had such a monumental undertaking. And he could only eat, like, an almond every day.
Joaquin Phoenix’s Extreme Weight Loss for Joker
Joaquin Phoenix revealed the physical toll of losing 52 pounds for his role as the Joker, explaining to the Associated Press how the process affected him psychologically. He said,
Once you reach the target weight, everything changes. Like so much of what’s difficult is waking up every day and being obsessed over like 0.3 pounds. Right? And you really develop like a disorder.
J.K. Simmons’ Muscular Transformation for Justice League
Known for his role in Spider-Man, J.K. Simmons shocked audiences by revealing dramatically bulging biceps during his appearance in Justice League, showcasing a new level of physical fitness.
Jake Gyllenhaal’s Weight Changes for Various Roles
Jake Gyllenhaal has undergone multiple physical transformations throughout his career. Speaking after losing 30 pounds for Nightcrawler, Gyllenhaal commented on concerns from his mother, saying,
I’d say my mother was worried,
and added,
I would say she just wanted me to be careful. But she also knew and knows how seriously I take what I do and she respects that.
He also bulked up for his role in 2010’s Prince of Persia by studying Parkour to gain the necessary agility and physique.
Michael B. Jordan’s Muscle Gain for Creed
Michael B. Jordan gained nearly 30 pounds of muscle to convincingly portray a rookie-turned-professional boxer in the film Creed, demonstrating the physical commitment required for demanding roles.
Jared Leto’s Significant Weight Loss for The Dallas Buyers Club
Jared Leto won an Oscar for his transformative role in The Dallas Buyers Club, which required him to lose 40 pounds to authentically depict his character‘s struggles.
Chris Messina’s Weight Gain for Live by Night
Chris Messina increased his body weight by 40 pounds to fit the demands of his role in Live by Night.
Renée Zellweger’s Weight Gain for Bridget Jones’s Diary
Renée Zellweger gained weight for her role as the iconic character in Bridget Jones’s Diary and its sequel, embracing the physical changes to embody the part.
Matthew McConaughey’s Weight Loss for The Dallas Buyers Club
Matthew McConaughey lost 30 pounds to portray the real-life AIDS patient in The Dallas Buyers Club, demonstrating the drastic physical transformations actors undertake to bring complex characters to life.
Rooney Mara’s Lean Physique for The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Rooney Mara adopted a lean and strong look specifically for her portrayal in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, reflecting her deep commitment to role preparation.
Anne Hathaway’s Award-Winning Performance in Les Misérables
Anne Hathaway secured an Oscar for her role in Les Misérables, a part that showcased both her acting and vocal talents.
Christian Bale’s Remarkable Physical Adaptations Over the Years
Christian Bale is famous for dramatic weight changes across numerous roles. For The Machinist in 2004, he lost over 60 pounds, only to regain weight for The Fighter. He gained 40 pounds for American Hustle and then lost 70 pounds for Ford v Ferrari. Additionally, Bale gained weight again to portray Dick Cheney in the biopic Vice.
Tom Hanks on Discipline Required for Cast Away
Tom Hanks spoke with Time magazine about the role in Cast Away, where he lost over 50 pounds. He emphasized,
All it is is time and discipline,
highlighting the commitment behind physical transformations.
50 Cent’s Rapid Weight Loss for Things Fall Apart
Rapper and actor 50 Cent underwent a drastic weight reduction from 214 to 160 pounds in nine weeks to portray a cancer-stricken football player in Things Fall Apart, stunning fans with his dedication.
Robert De Niro’s Long History of Physical Role Preparation
Veteran actor Robert De Niro’s physical adaptations for roles have been notable, including an Oscar-nominated performance as the menacing Max Cady in the 1991 thriller Cape Fear.
