Jared Leto, Christian Bale & More Celebs Gained Weight For Movie Roles: Photos

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September 20, 2017 12:33PM EDT

There have been many celebrities who gained weight to play certain roles in films over the years. See them here.

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Christian Bale in ‘Chapter 27’ & after

Christian Bale in ‘Chapter 27’ & after — Christian Bale’s drastic weight-gain for his role as Dick Cheney in the biography, ‘Backsteat’. It was an incredible change!

There have been many celebrities who gained weight to take on a role in a film or other type of feature over the years. From Christian to Brendan Fraser, these actors proved that they were willing to change their lifestyle temporarily to look the part in the best and most natural way. Whether their characters had storylines centered on their weight, or just happened to be heavier in a film unrelated to it, it’s certainly been impressive to watch these stars.

In addition to gaining weight, some actors have also had to wear extra padded suits to obtain the exact size the creators were looking for. One example is of Brendan in the 2022 film ‘The Whale,’ in which he played the role of Charlie, a 600-pound man looking to reconnect with his estranged daughter. He admitted it was unlike any role he had ever played before and it received a great response at the 2022 Venice Film Festival, where it was first screened.

Click through the gallery to see some of our favorite stars who gained weight for the roles in their films.

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Jared Leto for his 2008 film, ‘Chapter 27’.

Jared Leto for his 2008 film, ‘Chapter 27’. — Jared Leto gained 60 pounds for the role as John Lennon’s killer in the 2008 film, ‘Chapter 27’. Incredible!

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Matthew McConaughey for his 2016 film, ‘Gold’

Matthew McConaughey for his 2016 film, ‘Gold’ — Matthew McConaughey gained over 40 pounds for his role in ‘Gold’ [2016]. He definitely looked different!

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George Clooney in ‘Syriana’

George Clooney in ‘Syriana’ — George Clooney gained 30 pounds to play a terrorist in the 2005 drama, ‘Syriana’. He also had a beard.

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Matt Damon for ‘The Informant!’ [2009]

Matt Damon for ‘The Informant!’ [2009] — Matt Damon gained 30 pounds for his role in the 2009 docdrama/thriller, ‘The Informant!’ Very impressive!

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Renee Zellweger in ‘Bridget Jones’ Diary’ [2001]

Renee Zellweger in ‘Bridget Jones’ Diary’ [2001] — Renee Zellweger took on a 4,000 calorie diet to gain 30 pounds in the 2001 film, ‘Bridget Jones’ Diary’. It worked!

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Robvert DeNiro for the 1980 film, ‘Raging Bull’

Robvert DeNiro for the 1980 film, ‘Raging Bull’ — Robert DeNiro packed on 60 pounds to play Jake La Motta in the 1980 drama, sport film, ‘Raging Bull’. How memorable!

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Gwyneth Paltrow for ‘Country Strong’ [2010]

Gwyneth Paltrow for ‘Country Strong’ [2010] — Gwyneth Paltrow gained 20 pounds for her role in the 2010 drama/romance film ‘Country Strong’. She looked great!

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