Beefing Up, Again: 10 More Actors Who Underwent Remarkable Physical Transformations For Their Roles

Emile Hirsch For Into The Wild

Emile Hirsch’s transformation for the Jon Krakauer adaptation Into The Wild literally happens before the audiences eyes. Hirsch goes from toned to completely emaciated during the film.

The 21-year-old Hirsch lost 41 pounds for the film by running 5 miles a day, and also spending entire days kayaking or hiking. The first 26 pounds were lost before filming began, then during the film he lost an additional 15 pounds for the ending, getting all the way down to a skeletal 115 pounds.

Hirsch did work with a nutritionist to ensure that the weight was lost in a safe and healthy way and he said the process involved him being constantly hungry and dreaming of candy, and that the loss took more willpower than anything he’s done in his entire life. His will was well worth it, as the film’s success was almost completely built around his performance.

He’s back to a normal weight now, but he admits that the process turned him into a bit of a health nut, and he has continued running, although not with the same weight loss goals as before.