Playing God or any other Superhero is not a piece of cake to swallow, at least when the studio demands an enormous physique that fits the character’s traits. Certain Marvel characters including Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and Chris Evans’ Captain America have flaunted their massive physiques in MCU movies.
Now, the question is, how do they get in shape? Earlier, the studio and the actors have described their brutal journey to keep those characters in shape. But many suspected the use of steroids by the actors and recently, a doctor has made a huge claim regarding that.
A Doctor’s Professional Opinion on MCU Characters
Dr. Todd Schroeder, associate professor of clinical physical therapy and director of the University of Southern California Clinical Exercise Research Center at the USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy has something stunning opinion to share on the extremely captivating physiques of MCU characters. Speaking with Vanity Fair, the doctor revealed that fifty to seventy-five percent of MCU actors may have used performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), at least, in the short term.
“At least for the short term. I would say that fifty to seventy-five percent do. Nowadays, it’s kind of expected and, working under a doctor’s care, it’s really been accepted. A lot of actors won’t talk about it openly, but they will work with a physician as well as a nutritionist and a trainer, and it’s a team. It’s not smart for an actor to do that alone.”
However, the doctor clarifies the fact that short-term use of “steroids, testosterone, different androgens, growth hormone” does not create a lasting negative impact on the body and it is understandable and quite safe. But when it comes to Chris Hemsworth, the doctor said that he does not use any PEDs as he shares healthy genetics.
Fans Reacted to the Doctor’s Claim on MCU Heros
The professional opinion of the doctor undeniably posed an unholy conundrum among fans. Of course, Schroeder justified his opinion by stating that it is alright to use steroids for a short period of time. “So if you’re preparing for a role, and you’re going to get paid ten million dollars to look a certain way for a role? Then why wouldn’t you do it under a doctor’s care?” Schroeder said. It’s a tough, tough world out there, he added, “What people expect of you and how you need to look, and trying to maintain that. I feel for these actors, especially if you’re in a Marvel role, where you’re going to be in multiple films.” But many fans online do not quite agree with Schroeder.
I mean unless there is proof this is just defamation
— SharxFN (@SharxFN) September 21, 2023
I think if you into fitness or have a surface level knowledge about fitness/bodybuilding, it’s very easy to tell that the claim is most likely true
— Nahseez (@Zeeshan24455000) September 22, 2023
Unless Marvel sues on behalf of all their actors who would then have to prove that at least that percentage don’t do that, then they don’t have a case. It’s only defamation if they actually listed someone directly and the person could prove it was a lie.
— Reviewcentalk (@reviewcentalk) September 21, 2023
While I am not suggesting that actors do not use PEDs, this statement is presumptuous at best. Society has come to believe that building a physique like those in the movies cannot be done with steroids, and that is just false. It can, and is done by many.
— Chris Kearney (@ckk981) September 21, 2023
“Estimates” doesn’t know factually, hasn’t spoke with the actors, wasn’t there for the experience itself nor doesn’t understand the process. Being a professor of PT offers absolutely no special validation to his claims. This is no different than asking any other person on the…
— Danger (@Dangerhayd) September 21, 2023
Anyone who is in good shape without performance enhancing drugs knows that this is attainable. It’s especially easy when you have a film studio paying for trainers and dietitians. When actors are preparing for roles, they are literally paid to work out.
— Matt Hall (@InukMatt) September 21, 2023
Certainly, it was a bombshell for MCU actors from Schroeder and it has created a huge debate online that divided fans. Marvel Studios or any actors from the studio have not responded to the news yet.
Also read: “Lord have mercy”: Chris Hemsworth Accidentally Flashed His P*nis in Workout Video, Fans Go Berserk
Source: Vanity Fair, X.
