Sacha Baron Cohen is flaunting a chiselled new look, the result of intense training for his latest Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) role. It's a dramatic transformation from the skinny man known for roles like Ali G and Borat.

The often provocative actor graces this week's cover of Men's Fitness UK, baring his torso and brandishing 30-pound weights. On Wednesday, July 23, Sacha and the magazine jointly unveiled the cover on Instagram, along with additional snaps showcasing him executing pull-ups, working the cable machine, and striking a pose on a gym bench.

Sacha took to his Instagram Stories to share images from the feature, adding his own cheeky remarks. "This is not AI, I really am egotistical enough to do this," he quipped on the cover shot. In another image, he jested, "Some celebs use Ozempic, some use private chefs, others use personal trainers. I did all three."

Continuing in subsequent posts, Sacha declared he's "hard launching my mid-life crisis" and "debuting my new character: middle aged man who replaced beer with protein shakes."

In one of his final posts, he teased, "This AI...NOT!" while tagging Marvel Studios and using the hashtag #shirtlessMephisto, referencing his recent portrayal of Mephisto in the MCU.

He ended by expressing gratitude to his personal trainer Alfonso Moretti "for doing the unthinkable - putting up with me for 25 mins a day."

Alfonso took to Instagram to express his immense pride in Sacha, stating that he "could not be more proud" of the transformation.

"Sacha trusted my process and followed the plan exactly. Not only did he earn better health and fitness with incredible aesthetics...but also... The COVER of Men's Fitness! ! !" the fitness guru gushed. "From Borat to Buff full article coming this Friday! For now, enjoy the pictures. Tell me he doesn't look absolutely incredible!".

He teased that the details of Sacha's fitness journey would be revealed in the issue set for release on Friday, July 25.

Sacha recently stepped into the role of Mephisto in the season finale of Ironheart on July 1. Mephisto, a villain from Marvel Comics, first emerged in Silver Surfer #3 in December 1968, a creation of Stan Lee and John Buscema, inspired by the demonic figure Mephistopheles from the Faust legend.

At a recent press event, Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, confirmed Sacha's future reprisal of Mephisto, hinting at exciting plans for the character without divulging specifics.

"He's another character that, pre-MCU, would have been hard to do. He's a devil. How do you do that character? But he's a formative character. He was a big part of Thanos' storyline in the comics. So again, now that he's here, the potential is clear," Kevin shared with GamesRadar, speaking about Mephisto.