The Intense Physical and Mental Journey Behind His Role in ‘Magazine Dreams’
Jonathan Majors has been turning heads at Sundance with his portrayal of a toxic bodybuilding fanatic in Magazine Dreams. The actor has undergone an incredible transformation for the role of a toxic bodybuilding fanatic, with the camera often lingering on his impressive muscles throughout the film. Majors revealed the extraordinary dedication and incredible and sacrifices he made to become the character.
I’m 6 feet tall. I’m 202 pounds.” “In order to sustain that and to grow that you have to eat as much protein that you weigh. I ate 6,100 calories a day for about four months. That included the pre-work and the post-work of ‘Creed III’.” “The normal bodybuilder works out two times a day,” he said. “I’m playing Killian Maddox… Playing him you don’t fuck around. What ended up happening is I would train two hours, two times a day for the movie and a third time after wrap. Meanwhile, you eat six times a day. Lots of chicken. Lots of elk. That’s just for me. I like it.”
The actor went on to explain that his intense training regimen was a reflection of the character he was playing.
The normal bodybuilder works out two times a day,” he said. “I’m playing Killian Maddox… Playing him you don’t fuck around. What ended up happening is I would train two hours, two times a day for the movie and a third time after wrap. Meanwhile, you eat six times a day. Lots of chicken. Lots of elk. That’s just for me. I like it.”
Despite the intense physical demands of the role, Majors has no plans to slow down.
I played football in Texas. I got an appetite,” he said. “I really like being physical. I like hiking and running. I’ve got dogs. I’m only 33… I got to do something to stay with it. I don’t work out three times a day anymore. Just once a day.”
The actor’s dedication to the role was evident in the final product, with critics praising his performance as “transfixing” and “phenomenal”. Majors’ transformation was not just physical, but also mental, as he delved deep into the psyche of a character consumed by obsession and toxic masculinity. The film explores the destructive nature of such obsessions and the cost it can have on one’s mental and physical well-being.