Key Takeaways:
– Charlize Theron underwent a physical transformation for her role in ‘Tully’, gaining nearly 50 pounds.
– The massive weight gain led to unforeseen mental challenges, leading the actress to declare she’d never repeat the experience.
– Despite the difficulties, Theron earned a Golden Globe nomination for her performance in the film.
Digging Deeper into Theron’s Transformation for ‘Tully’
Charlize Theron is known for the lengths she will go for a role, yet her physical transformation for the film ‘Tully’ surpassed her previous standards. Playing the character of Marlo, a mother of three, Theron gained almost 50 pounds. Although speculations initially suggested the use of body-prosthetics, Theron confirmed to Entertainment Tonight that the weight gain was real. However, the physical transformation unleashed unpredictable mental challenges on the actress.
The Process: Fun to Daunting
Theron had limited time, just three and a half months to be precise, to gain the weight. Making the most of this, the ‘Bombshell’ actress enjoyed the ability to eat anything in sight, indulging in breakfast and In-N-Out milkshakes twice a day. The excessive consumption of processed foods and sugar, quite different from Theron’s usual diet, soon took a toll. The transition from a fun experience to a daunting task was quick and heavy.
Reflecting on this transformation, Theron reveals her goal was to wholly empathize with her role. Unfortunately, the sympathy cost her mental well-being. Leading a life surrounded by processed foods and high sugar content triggered a cloud of depression over the actress. The drastic lifestyle change left Theron grappling with her mental health while trying to justify the bodily changes to her kids.
The Aftermath: The Struggle and the Decision
Enduring the hardships of gaining weight was just half the battle for Charlize Theron. The struggle to shed those extra pounds post-shooting proved to be equally or even more challenging. It took the South African actress a year and a half to reclaim her former physique. The experience made her resolve to never again commit to a role demanding significant weight gain.
Comparing her transformation for ‘Tully’ to when she did the same for the film ‘Monster’, Theron acknowledges the difference age makes. Gaining weight for ‘Monster’ at 27, the actress managed to lose the extra pounds swiftly. On the flip side, at 43 during ‘Tully’, the weight loss process was much more strenuous, leaving Theron with an unexpected comment from her doctor about slowing metabolism post-40.
Despite all the struggles, Theron’s dedication to ‘Tully’ paid off with a Golden Globe nomination. However, the heavy price she paid for it is something she doesn’t wish to repeat. Citing the weight transformation process and its impacts as a significant setback, the actress firmly states she’ll never go through that ordeal again.
‘Tully’, featuring Theron’s remarkable performance and drastic transformation, is available for streaming on Netflix. The film explores motherhood and the struggles faced by a mother of three, making it a must-watch for all cinema lovers.