The Borat star debuts his shredded new look on Men’s Fitness UK cover while embracing his role as Marvel’s next major villain, just weeks after finalizing his high-profile split from Isla Fisher.
Sacha Baron Cohen has officially entered his “revenge body” era. The 53-year-old comedian and actor shocked fans this week by revealing a dramatically transformed physique on the cover of Men’s Fitness UK, complete with bulging muscles and a confident new attitude following his recent divorce from actress Isla Fisher.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect. Just over a month after finalizing his $75 million divorce settlement, Cohen is showing the world he’s ready for his next chapter – both personally and professionally.
The Marvel Makeover That Changed Everything
Sacha Baron Cohen’s physical transformation stems from his latest career move into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The British entertainer plays Mephisto, the franchise’s newest supervillain, who made his debut in the Disney+ series “Ironheart” finale on July 1, 2025.
The role required Cohen to completely reimagine his physique. Gone is the lanky frame audiences remember from his Borat days. In its place stands a muscular, intimidating figure worthy of Marvel’s biggest stages.
Sacha Baron Cohen reached out to Matthew McConaughey for trainer recommendations. McConaughey connected him with Alfonso “The Angry Trainer” Moretti, who immediately saw potential in the comedian’s hidden athleticism.
“He looked like a ruler, straight up and down,” Moretti told Men’s Fitness UK. “But I also detected an athlete in hiding.” Sacha Baron Cohen himself admitted he started with “the core strength of an arthritic jellyfish.”
The transformation happened quickly. Marvel’s costume department had to alter Cohen’s Mephisto outfit multiple times to accommodate his rapidly changing physique. His training regimen began with 100 pushups daily and evolved into structured, high-intensity workouts designed around his filming schedule.
Divorce Drama and New Beginnings
The physical transformation coincides with major personal changes for Sacha Baron Cohen. He and Isla Fisher finalized their divorce on June 13, 2025, ending 14 years of marriage and a relationship spanning over two decades.
The former couple announced their separation in April 2024 with a tennis-themed social media post. “After a long tennis match lasting over twenty years, we are finally putting our racquets down,” they wrote.
Their joint statement emphasized mutual respect and commitment to co-parenting their three children. However, recent reports suggest tensions have emerged between the former spouses.
Fisher sparked controversy in July by sharing a pointed social media post about marriage. The message read: “Nowadays, 80% of women are against marriage. Why? Because women realize it’s not worth buying an entire pig just to get a little sausage.”
Many interpreted the post as a dig at Sacha Baron Cohen, though neither party has directly addressed the speculation.
Marvel’s Master Plan for Mephisto
Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios president, confirmed that Sacha Baron Cohen’s Mephisto will play a central role in upcoming MCU projects. The character represents a significant addition to Marvel’s villain roster, with connections to major storylines involving Thanos and other key characters.
“He’s another character that, pre-MCU, would have been hard to do. He’s a devil. How do you do that character?” Feige explained to reporters. “But he’s a formative character. He was a big part of Thanos’ storyline in the comics.”
Cohen’s portrayal differs from traditional comic book depictions. Rather than appearing as a giant red demon, he presents Mephisto as a suave, deal-making figure who operates more through charm than intimidation.
The “Ironheart” finale showcased this approach effectively. Cohen’s Mephisto appears as an ordinary man eating pizza while making Faustian bargains with heroes. The performance demonstrates his range beyond comedy into sophisticated dramatic territory.
Ongoing Controversies and Legal Battles
Sacha Baron Cohen’s recent success comes despite ongoing controversies. Actress Rebel Wilson’s 2024 memoir “Rebel Rising” included serious allegations about Cohen’s behavior during their 2016 film “The Brothers Grimsby.”
Wilson accused Sacha Baron Cohen of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct on set. She claimed he repeatedly asked her to appear nude and allegedly requested she perform a sexual act during filming.
Cohen vehemently denied all allegations through his representatives. “These demonstrably false claims are directly contradicted by extensive detailed evidence,” his spokesperson stated.
The controversy affected Wilson’s book publication in several countries. UK, Australian, and New Zealand editions redacted Wilson’s allegations due to stricter defamation laws in those jurisdictions.
The dispute reportedly contributed to tensions in Cohen’s marriage, with sources suggesting Fisher felt uncomfortable with the public scrutiny surrounding the allegations.
Career Evolution and Future Projects
Beyond Marvel commitments, Sacha Baron Cohen continues developing new projects. Reports suggest he’s working on a sequel to his 2002 comedy “Ali G Indahouse,” though he hasn’t confirmed these rumors publicly.
His upcoming Netflix film “Ladies First” pairs him with Rosamund Pike in an English-language remake of the French comedy “I Am Not an Easy Man.” The project explores gender role reversals in modern society.
Cohen also has an untitled scripted comedy being shopped to distributors after Universal Pictures couldn’t accommodate his desired 2026 release schedule. The project reflects his ongoing commitment to political satire and social commentary.
His transformation into action hero territory represents a significant career pivot. The physical demands of Marvel roles require sustained commitment to fitness and stunt work, areas previously outside Cohen’s wheelhouse.
Personal Life and Social Media Presence
Sacha Baron Cohen has embraced social media to showcase his transformation journey. His Instagram posts reveal both humor and vulnerability about his “mid-life crisis” phase.
“This is not AI, I really am egotistical enough to do this,” he wrote alongside his Men’s Fitness cover photos. “Some celebs use Ozempic, some use private chefs, others use personal trainers. I did all three.”
The posts demonstrate his characteristic self-awareness and willingness to poke fun at celebrity culture. He describes his new persona as “middle-aged man who replaced beer with protein shakes.”
His social media strategy appears calculated to rebuild his public image following divorce proceedings and ongoing controversies. The confident, physically transformed Cohen presents a stark contrast to his recent legal and personal challenges.
Financial Success and Industry Standing
Despite personal setbacks, Sacha Baron Cohen maintains significant earning power in Hollywood. His Marvel contract likely provides substantial financial security beyond his divorce settlement obligations.
Industry observers note his successful transition from niche comedy performer to mainstream action star. This evolution typically translates to higher salary negotiations and more diverse project opportunities.
His willingness to undergo dramatic physical transformation demonstrates professional commitment that resonates with casting directors and producers. The discipline required for his Marvel preparation suggests potential for additional action roles.
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter
Sacha Baron Cohen’s dramatic transformation represents more than physical change. It symbolizes professional reinvention and personal growth following significant life upheaval.
His Marvel commitments extend through multiple upcoming projects, including potential appearances in the next Avengers films. This provides career stability and mainstream recognition beyond his comedy legacy.
The fitness transformation also suggests long-term lifestyle changes rather than temporary role preparation. His trainer Alfonso Moretti continues working with Cohen, indicating sustained commitment to his new physique.
Whether Cohen can maintain this momentum while navigating ongoing personal and professional challenges remains to be seen. His track record suggests resilience and adaptability that should serve him well in Hollywood’s competitive landscape.
The former Borat star has successfully reinvented himself as a legitimate action performer while maintaining his comedic sensibilities. This rare combination positions him uniquely in an industry that values versatility above all else.
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