You’ve seen the memes. One minute, he’s the "you guys are getting paid?" kid with the awkward eyebrows in We’re the Millers, and the next, he’s walking onto the set of The Bear looking like he was sculpted out of granite. The internet collectively lost its mind when photos of the will poulter before and after transformation first started circulating. People weren't just surprised; they were confused. How does a guy go from "perpetually bullied cinematic cousin" to a golden-god-tier Marvel superhero?
Honestly, it wasn’t some overnight Hollywood magic or a secret serum. It was a grueling, often isolating process that Poulter himself is remarkably candid about. While most actors lean into the "I just ate chicken and broccoli" trope, Will has been vocal about the fact that his transformation was pretty much unsustainable for anyone without a studio’s bank account.
From "The Narnia Kid" to Adam Warlock
Will Poulter didn't start his career as a heartthrob. Not even close. He was the king of the "weird-looking kid" roles, and he played them brilliantly. Think back to Son of Rambow (2007) or his breakout as the insufferable Eustace Scrubb in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. He had this expressive, rubbery face that was perfect for comedy.
But by the time 2021 rolled around and he was cast as Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, the physical requirements shifted. He went from being a lean, average-built guy to a 6'2" powerhouse with a "V-taper" that looked like it belonged on a fitness magazine cover.
👉 See also: Jaden Newman Leaked OnlyFans: What Most People Get Wrong
The will poulter before and after comparison is jarring because of the sheer mass he put on. His trainer, Darrell Carraway, focused on a "reverse pyramid" training style. This meant Will was hitting heavy compound lifts—incline DB presses, weighted dips, and chinups—at the start of his workouts when his energy was highest.
What the diet actually looked like
If you think he was having a good time at dinner, think again. Poulter told The Independent that he went through periods where he couldn't even face food because of the "copious amounts" he had to consume to bulk. Then, the pendulum would swing, and he’d be so hungry he felt like he could "eat furniture."
He basically had to give up his social life. No booze. No spontaneous pizza nights. Just a rigid, military-style schedule of eating and lifting. He’s been very clear: he wouldn't recommend this to a normal person. It’s a job requirement, not a lifestyle choice.
✨ Don't miss: The Fifth Wheel Kim Kardashian: What Really Happened with the Netflix Comedy
The Mental Health Reality Behind the Muscles
One thing that makes Will Poulter stand out in 2026 is his total lack of ego about his looks. He’s talked openly about having Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), OCD, and depression. For him, the physical change wasn't just about looking "jacked" for James Gunn; it was a way to manage his own mental state.
However, he’s quick to warn fans that tying your self-worth to a physical "glow-up" is a dangerous game. "The aesthetic goals have to be secondary," he’s noted in multiple interviews. If you focus only on the mirror, you’re going to end up in an unhealthy mental loop.
Why we are obsessed with the "Glow-Up"
The fascinaton with the will poulter before and after narrative says more about us than him. We love a transformation story. We love the idea that someone can "fix" their awkwardness through sheer willpower. But Will’s career—from Dopesick to The Bear—proves he was a powerhouse actor long before he had six-pack abs.
🔗 Read more: Erik Menendez Height: What Most People Get Wrong
In The Bear, he played Luca, a precise, tattooed pastry chef in Copenhagen. He didn't need to be "superhero big" for that role, but you could still see the discipline. He carries himself differently now. There's a groundedness that comes from that level of physical training, but he hasn't lost the vulnerability that made him famous in the first place.
How he maintains it now
Will has moved into what he calls a "maintenance phase." He isn't trying to get bigger anymore. He's just trying to stay healthy. His current routine is much more balanced, focusing on functional strength rather than just looking like a Greek god.
- Training frequency: Down from daily intense sessions to about 3-4 days a week.
- Diet: No more "force-feeding." He eats for energy and longevity now.
- Mental check-ins: He uses exercise as a tool for his anxiety, not as a punishment for what he ate.
The big takeaway from the will poulter before and after saga isn't that you should go out and try to look like Adam Warlock. It’s that even the people who look "perfect" on screen are often struggling with the process of getting there.
If you're looking to start your own fitness journey, don't compare your "Day 1" to Will's Marvel physique. He had a team of world-class chefs, trainers, and a multi-billion dollar studio behind him. Instead, focus on the mental discipline he talks about.
Next Steps for You:
If you’re feeling inspired by Will’s discipline but want to avoid the "unrealistic" Hollywood pitfalls, start by auditing your own relationship with fitness. Focus on compound movements like the deadlift or overhead press twice a week. More importantly, prioritize your mental health as much as your physical—just like Will does. If you aren't feeling good on the inside, the "after" photo won't matter nearly as much as you think it will.