Here's how Kumail Nanjiani got ripped for Marvel's Eternals movie

The Silicon Valley actor surprised the world with his superhero body, but it took hard work and the right fuel to get him there

Kumail Nanjiani posing with Marvel's Iron Man
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Muscular celebrities are a regular fixture these days, with the likes of Chris Hemsworth and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson regularly sharing workout routines for building super-human muscle in preparation for their latest projects.

Some transformations still have the power to surprise us, though. This includes Kumail Nanjiani's newly-ripped body for his role in the upcoming Marvel Studios film, Eternals. Even at a glance, it's clear that his diet included some of the best protein powders to get in that kind of shape. 

In advance of filming, Nanjiani took to Instagram to share his new physique, commenting, "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."

The post was met with acclaim, surprise, and many likes as news of the actor's transformation spread around the world. He worked with trainer Grant Roberts for nine months before traveling to London to shoot the movie, which is due to hit screens on November 5, 2021.

Roberts followed up his client's viral post with one of his own, noting that "working out and nutrition should empower and energize you. If it doesn't you are doing it wrong." Although Nanjiani worked hard, the results were only possible because he gave his body the right fuel to build lean muscle.

Working out is clearly a key component in developing muscle, but so is eating a balanced diet to support your training routine and repair your muscles overnight. It's also vital that you get enough rest each day, as research has shown that a poor night's sleep interferes with muscle growth.

As impressive as his and other actors' transformations are, it's important to remember that it is their job to look this way. As Nanjiani put it, "I would not have been able to do this if I didn't have a full year with the best trainers and nutritionists paid for by the biggest studio in the world."

Importantly, he noted that he needed to thank his wife, and The Big Sick co-writer, Emily V. Gordon, for "putting up with me complaining and talking about only working out and dieting for the last year," before ending "I promise I'll be interesting again some day."

You don't have to aim for superhero-style results to feel the benefits of a regular workout routine and strong muscle, though. If you invest in a set of the best adjustable dumbbells for customizable training and regularly follow our home chest workout, you'll see visible, sustainable results in no time.

James Frew
Fitness Editor

James is a London-based journalist and Fitness Editor at Fit&Well. He has over five years experience in fitness tech, including time spent as the Buyer’s Guide Editor and Staff Writer at technology publication MakeUseOf. In 2014 he was diagnosed with a chronic health condition, which spurred his interest in health, fitness, and lifestyle management.

In the years since, he has become a devoted meditator, experimented with workout styles and exercises, and used various gadgets to monitor his health. In recent times, James has been absorbed by the intersection between mental health, fitness, sustainability, and environmentalism. When not concerning himself with health and technology, James can be found excitedly checking out each week’s New Music Friday releases.