Marvel star Kumail Nanjiani amazes fans with 'incredible' body transformation
Kumail Nanjiani is showing off what he was hiding under those hoodies on Silicon Valley — and it’s a lot.
The 41-year-old, who spent the year preparing for his role as Kingo in next year’s Marvel movie The Eternals, debuted some seriously toned arms and abs Monday on social media.
While he joked that the post reeked of desperation, he also used it as a bookend of sorts, thanking the many people who helped him achieve his fitness goals.
“I never thought I’d be one of those people who would post a thirsty shirtless, but I’ve worked way too hard for way too long so here we are,” Nanjiani wrote. “You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain. I found out a year ago I was going to be in Marvel’s Eternals and decided I wanted to transform how I looked.”
He said that he’d worked with the best trainers and nutritionists, which he noted were paid for by the studio. “I’m glad I look like this, but I also understand why I never did before,” he wrote. “It would have been impossible without these resources and time.”
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His wife, The Big Sick screenwriter Emily V. Gordon, warranted praise, too.
“And finally, the biggest thanks goes to @emilyvgordon for putting up with me complaining and talking about only working out and dieting for the last year. I promise I’ll be interesting again some day.”
Gordon cutely wrote back in the comments, “worth it.”
Others, including Ali Wong, who reacted with a bulging eyes emoji, cheered Nanjiani, too.
“Dawg I thought this was photoshop,” comedian Quinta Brunson wrote. “Incredible. Amazing.”
Another person asked, “Wait is this really you?!”
While a third said, “I wasn’t ready.”
Read more: Actors who got insanely ripped for Marvel
They congratulated Nanjiani on reaching his goal, and they congratulated Gordon on having such a hot husband.
The excitement over the star’s new look spread to Twitter, even though he hadn’t posted the photo there. People cheered his honesty about what it took to get him in such amazing shape and mostly they gawked.
not only is kumail RIPPED (captain america needed a superserum, kumail did not) but he also added that people should keep in mind that he had trainers and nutritionists to help him, which many people can’t easily get so they shouldn’t feel bad about themselves pic.twitter.com/JmClnmsljP
— 🥀 (@avengermemes) December 16, 2019
hi um the picture of ripped kumail has been haunting me all day help
— diana of themyscira👑 (@_diananananana) December 16, 2019
Dear santa,
You made Kumail ripped, but you still can't get me a boyfriend!?!?!?!? https://t.co/2eatHBBPLC— Hallmark season 📺 (@_monana) December 16, 2019
Kumail Nanjiani getting ripped for the Eternals is my new work out motivation.
— Georgeous (@kinggeorges27) December 16, 2019
This year, Ripped Kumail will be bringing children their presents instead of Santa
Instead of cookies please leave him the deed to your home- it is his now— Bean (@sabinameschke) December 16, 2019
Ripped Kumail is the new Baby Yoda.
— Doug Schultz (@omarspeck) December 16, 2019
Nanjiani is one of the many stars who have toned up to join the Marvel family.
Some of the most recent are Chris Pratt, for Guardians of the Galaxy and its sequel, and Chadwick Boseman for Black Panther.