It's funny how the internet works. One day you're a breakout star on the biggest show on Netflix, and the next, people are dissecting your gym routine or wondering why you’ve suddenly disappeared from a cast list. If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Twitter lately, you’ve probably seen the phrase percy hynes white abs popping up. It’s a weirdly specific obsession.
Most of the buzz comes from a few shirtless scenes in Wednesday and some candid vacation photos that made the rounds. Fans basically lost their minds. They wanted to know the "secret" routine. Was he hitting the weights? Is it just genetics?
People love a transformation story. But with Percy, the conversation is actually a lot more layered than just calorie counting and crunches.
The Truth About That Xavier Thorpe Physique
Let’s be real for a second. When Percy Hynes White showed up as Xavier Thorpe, he wasn't exactly rocking a bodybuilder physique. That wasn't the vibe. He had that "lean, artistic, slightly tortured" look that fits the Nevermore Academy aesthetic perfectly.
To get that specific definition—the kind that shows up under harsh TV lighting—it’s usually less about massive muscle gain and more about low body fat. Honestly, Percy has always been naturally thin. He’s got that lanky, high-metabolism frame that makes muscle definition pop without him having to look like a professional athlete.
What did the training look like?
He actually did some prep for the role, but it wasn't all about the gym. He had to learn:
- Fencing (which is a massive cardio burner, by the way).
- Painting and archery-style movements.
- Basic stunt coordination.
Fencing is incredible for your core. You’re constantly in a lunge, constantly engaging your midsection for balance. If you’re looking for the "secret" to his look during season one, it was likely a combination of that high-intensity movement and, well, being 21 years old.
Why the "Abs" Search Peak is Tied to Controversy
It’s impossible to talk about Percy Hynes White right now without mentioning why he’s been so quiet. In early 2023, anonymous allegations surfaced on X (formerly Twitter). He vehemently denied them. He called it a "campaign of misinformation."
But the damage, in the eyes of the industry, seemed done. By May 2024, it was official: he wouldn't be back for Wednesday Season 2.
Because of this, any "new" photos of him—especially ones where he looks fit or different—become instant lightning rods for attention. Fans who miss the character of Xavier Thorpe latched onto his physical appearance as a way to "check in" on how he was doing during his hiatus from the spotlight.
Recent sightings and "The Bar" Rumors
In late 2025, reports surfaced that he was working as a doorperson at a Santa Monica bar. It's a wild pivot for a guy who was just starring opposite Jenna Ortega. Some people saw photos from this period and noted he looked like he’d bulked up a bit.
When you aren't filming 14-hour days on a set in Romania, you actually have time to hit the local Gold’s Gym. It’s a classic "revenge body" or "hiatus glow-up" situation. If you've seen the 2025 Getty Images from the Vanity Fair Vanities Party, he definitely looks like he’s moved away from the "scrawny teenager" look and into a more mature, athletic build.
How to Get the Lean Aesthetic (The Practical Version)
If you're actually searching for his "routine" because you want to look like that, you have to realize it's about lean mass. You aren't going to get that look by doing 500 sit-ups a day. That's a myth.
Abs are built in the kitchen but revealed through a calorie deficit. For someone with Percy’s build, it’s about "clean bulking." This means:
- High protein intake (chicken, fish, lentils) to repair muscle after those fencing or gym sessions.
- Complex carbs for energy during long filming days.
- Consistent resistance training—specifically compound movements like pull-ups and squats that force the core to stabilize.
What Really Happened With the Workout Hype?
Most of the "percy hynes white abs" content you see on Pinterest or fan accounts is actually edited. Seriously. Fanbases are notorious for upping the contrast and sharpening images to make muscle definition look deeper than it is in real life.
Percy himself has never released a "workout program." He’s not a fitness influencer. He’s an actor who happens to be in good shape because it’s part of the job description when you’re playing a lead in a teen drama.
The Career Redirect
While everyone was focused on his physique, his career took a weird turn. Jenna Ortega mentioned in a Vanity Fair interview that his absence in Season 2 was a "weird redirect." The show basically sent his character, Xavier, to a boarding school in Switzerland (Reichenbach Academy) to explain why he’s gone.
He’s moved on to smaller indie projects like Winter Spring Summer or Fall. If you watch that, you'll see a much more "natural" version of him. No heavy "TV magic" lighting, just a normal guy.
The Actionable Reality
If you’re looking to replicate the fitness level associated with his peak Wednesday fame, stop looking for a "magic" Percy routine. It doesn't exist. Instead, focus on functional agility.
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Try adding 20 minutes of shadow-boxing or footwork drills to your routine. It builds that specific type of "lean" muscle that people associate with his look. Also, stop stressing about a six-pack if your body fat isn't naturally low; focus on core strength instead. It's better for your back anyway.
Keep an eye on his 2026 projects. He's slowly making a comeback in the indie scene, and his look is clearly evolving as he moves into his mid-20s. The "skinny kid" era is over.
Next Steps for Your Own Routine:
To achieve a similar lean-muscle aesthetic, prioritize Compound Movements (like deadlifts and overhead presses) over isolated ab exercises. Incorporate High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) twice a week to keep body fat percentages low enough for muscle definition to show. Most importantly, track your protein intake—aim for roughly 0.8 to 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight to maintain muscle while staying lean.