Recently, there has been growing concern about unhealthy body image representation among male actors, particularly those in action and superhero roles who face pressure to look like their comic book counterparts.

Hugh Jackman and Henry Cavill have both faced criticism in this regard. Cavill was criticized for his dehydration methods during the filming of Man of Steel, while Jackman has been scrutinized for his strict diet regimen to maintain a lean physique in his 50s for his role as Wolverine in Deadpool & Wolverine.

Although we know that the physiques we see on screen result from more than just diets and workouts, hearing a medical expert’s perspective adds a new dimension, according to Dr. Todd Schroeder, associate professor of clinical physical therapy and director of the USC Clinical Exercise Research Center, speaking to Variety, achieving such physiques may be nearly impossible.

Though forbidden by sports leagues, many steroid treatments are perfectly legal. At least for the short term,I would say that fifty to seventy-five percent do.’

No Marvel actor has openly admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), but the use of PEDs has evolved significantly. What was once a clandestine and risky approach to building muscle and strength is now more prevalent among athletes and performers, resulting in more research and a better understanding of their effects.

“Nowadays, it’s kind of expected and, working under a doctor’s care, it’s really been accepted. A lot of actors won’t talk about it openly, but they will work with a physician as well as a nutritionist and a trainer, and it’s a team. It’s not smart for an actor to do that alone. The big thing is, you can take steroids, testosterone, different androgens, growth hormone for a short period of time without any lasting effects on the body. It’s not like you become addicted to it. There’s long-term health concerns, but short-term, there really isn’t. So if you’re preparing for a role, and you’re going to get paid ten million dollars to look a certain way for a role? Then why wouldn’t you do it under a doctor’s care? Take some things that aren’t natural but will change your body to look the way they want it to look, and gets you the recognition?

Remarkably, Dr. Schroeder emphasizes that his insights are based on professional observation and cites Chris Hemsworth, who portrays Thor, as an example of a possible natural physique transformation. He suggests that Hemsworth’s impressive physique could potentially be achieved without the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

He’s always been in really good shape. His family, his genetics—they all, if they work out a little bit, they get in really good shape, and so he’s taken it to the next level. A lot of people say, ‘Oh, he does steroids, for sure.’ And my opinion? I would say, ‘No, he does not.’

What Dr. Schroeder mentioned aligns with what Chris Evans recently shared with the press: that Hemsworth truly embodies Thor, leaving no room for comparison.

There’s no comparison. I mean come on, it’s very difficult to stand next to him. He literally, he is Thor. It’s not just like a costume. He is enormous. It’s difficult to try and keep up.

Do you agree with Dr. Schroeder? Let us know in the comments below!