Will Poulter discusses body image and says he’s ‘not conventionally attractive’

Will Poulter opened up about body image when discussing his physical transformation into a superhero for Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 3.

The Maze Runner actor, 30, joined the Marvel franchise for its third film as Adam Warlock, where he stars alongside Chris Pratt.

The film was released in theaters on May 3 to critical acclaim.

The role required Will to add a lot of muscle to his naturally petite stature – a process that was rigorous and demanding on the actor.

In a new interview with GQ hypehe discussed his transformation into the superhero and the fact that he doesn’t consider himself “conventionally attractive.”

Will told the magazine, “All I know is that I worked as hard as I could, safely and naturally, to possibly continue as a superhero.

“If that’s not enough for people, fair enough, but I’m not willing to compromise on the way I went about it.

“I can’t be an advocate for mental health and at the same time promote anything other than responsible and natural bodybuilding. I wouldn’t want anyone to feel like I’m suggesting that there’s a body type that’s better than someone else’s body type.’

The star has previously credited Chris Pratt for helping him get in shape for the film by offering workout advice, but added that he “would not advise anyone to do what I did to prepare for that job.”

Control over his looks is something he’s been unable to avoid in the film industry – as he admitted that he doesn’t think he’s “conventionally attractive.”

He continued, “It was weird when people started discussing my physical appearance online whether it was considered attractive or unattractive.

“I feel very comfortable and secure in knowing that I’m not conventionally attractive because I’ve always had comments about looking unusual — whether it’s my eyebrows or whatever, people have made that a thing.”

“I think it’s just about a broader issue, about, why are we arguing or spending so much time discussing people’s physical appearance?

‘Especially in women. But whether you are male or female, why is that so central? Unfortunately, social media has created the problematic idea that everyone’s opinion about everything is equally important.’

But while he has mixed feelings about his transformation, Will credits exercise as the thing that has supported him the most in his handling of fame.

He said, “Physical exercise is the thing that has really supported me more than anything.

‘I’ve been physically active for years thanks to my regular agent Christian [Hodell], with whom I have been together since I was 16 years old. I was going through a rough time mentally and he said, “Go to the gym.”

And I was like, “I don’t think putting on muscle is going to help me feel better mentally.”

And he was like, “No, it’s going to feel great.” He said this the best of 10 years ago now and it really changed my life.”

The first Guardians Of The Galaxy film, which also starred artists such as Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista and Bradley Cooper, premiered in 2014.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe entry was followed up by a 2017 sequel, and the characters went on to appear in both Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

Development of the third Guardians Of The Galaxy movie was revealed to the public in April 2017, and director James Gunn was famously fired and then rehired to work on the project.

Poulter was later revealed as Adam Warlock in October 2021.

Other new additions to the film’s cast included Maria Bakalova and Chukwudi Iwuji, who voice Cosmo The Spacedog and play High Evolutionary respectively.

It comes after Will vigorously hit back at body shamers when he revealed the true reason why he once dressed up as Toy Story character Sid Phillips for Halloween.

In 2017, Will dressed up as the character, after trolls compared his appearance to the cartoon for years.

Fans were initially confused thinking the actor hated the comparison, but he revealed there was a much more serious reason behind his decision.

“I did it in light of some comparisons between me and Sid from Toy Story doing the rounds on the internet,” he explained.

“I work with Anti-Bullying Pro and the Diana Award, I did it during anti-bullying week to bring awareness to that organization.

“So that was that.”

Read the full feature online at GQ Hype now.