Will Poulter opens up about the public's fixation on his Marvel transformation. Why he thinks it's a problem you need to know.
British actor Will Poulter recently stunned fans and critics alike when images of him in his new role for Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy were released. The actor, known for his roles in projects like "We're The Millers" and "Black Mirror: Bandersnatch," appeared significantly more muscular than before. The 30-year-old actor had clearly put in a considerable amount of effort to prepare for his role as Adam Warlock.
The Actor's Mixed Feelings About the Praise
While the transformation was met with a wave of compliments, Poulter expressed some reservations about the public's focus on his physical appearance. In an interview with British GQ earlier this year, he mentioned that although the compliments seemed well-intentioned, the attention didn't sit well with him.
"It was weird when people started to debate my physical appearance online as to whether it was deemed attractive or unattractive," he told British GQ.
Addressing the Issue of Physical Appearance
Poulter went on to discuss the broader issue of society's obsession with physical appearance. He questioned why so much time is spent discussing how people look, especially women.
"I think it just speaks to a wider issue, of: why are we discussing or spending so much time discussing people's physical appearance? Especially in the case of women," he added.
The actor also criticized the role of social media in amplifying these discussions, stating that it has created a problematic culture where everyone's opinion seems to matter equally.
The Problem with Comparisons
The actor also touched upon the frequent social media posts comparing his current appearance to how he looked in the 2013 film "We're the Millers." Poulter dismissed such comparisons as pointless, especially considering the decade-long gap and the fact that he was only 20 years old at the time of the earlier film.
The Double-Edged Sword of Compliments
Poulter shared an anecdote about a recent encounter in a pub where someone complimented him on his "glow-up." While the term is generally used positively, the actor found it hard not to interpret it as a backhanded compliment.
"People say it like it's positive, but it could also contribute to a complex," he remarked.
The Importance of Mindful Praise
As Poulter's experience shows, even well-intentioned praise can have unintended consequences. It serves as a reminder to be cautious and thoughtful when complimenting someone, especially on matters as personal and sensitive as physical appearance.