Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Ever dashed through the highs & lows of a superhero’s journey, both on-screen and off? It’s no secret that Grant Gustin, better known for his Flash portrayal, has zipped through an electrifying gauntlet on his nearly decade-long run.
When Gustin first donned the red suit and stepped into the lightning-fast shoes of Barry Allen in 2013, few could’ve anticipated the full measure of dedication this role would demand. This role not only catapulted him into the limelight but also committed him to a grueling schedule that would test his mettle.
One of the less glamorous aspects of the actor’s journey has been grappling with body image issues. Despite embodying a superhero, Gustin was far from immune to the harsh judgments & unrealistic standards set by Hollywood.
Grant Gustin’s Fitness Transformation: OvercomingThe Flash’s Intense Schedule
Grant Gustin’s journey as the iconic superhero The Flashhas indeed been anythingbut a smooth sprint to the finish line. From the start, the actor was candid about his insecurities, defining himself as a skinny kid when he first donned the red suit in 2013.
“It’s one thing I have a pretty good grasp on”: Grant Gustin’s Tap Dancing Skills Helped Him Nail One Aspect of The Flash Everyone Hates Ezra Miller for
The expectation of a bulky, muscle-bound superhero led to the hiring of trainers and coaches to help him bulk up for the role. However, long hours on set and poor self-care habits led him down a path of exhaustion and self-doubt. Gustin admitted the following in a candid chat withMen’s Health.
My *ss was just getting kicked.
As the seasons flew by, Gustin’s body struggled to keep up with the physical demands of the role, leading to a downward spiral in his mental and physical health:
I just stopped working out and got thinner and thinner those first five seasons.
But as the saying goes, every cloud has a silver lining. The unexpected pause of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 gave Gustin the chance to focus on himself and make positive changes. With exercise and prioritizing his well-being, the actor found himself putting on 20 pounds of muscle and feeling more confident than ever before.
I started exercising a lot between seasons. I put on 20 pounds of muscle, just because I had time to work out. Since then, it’s been four years.
This period of self-care and reflection marked a new chapter in Gustin’s life, providing him with the tools to rebuild both his physical & emotional strength.
Grant Gustin’s Battle Against Criticism: This is How He Overcame Body-Shaming
In 2018,Grant Gustinfound himself in thecrosshairs of a stormwhen a leaked set photo fromThe Flash’s fifth season set the internet ablaze (seeABC News). The snapshot, capturing him in a candid moment, sparked a torrent of disparaging comments about his physique.
“It was the most painful, other than the face mask”: Grant Gustin Had a Few ‘Nightmares’ Donning The Flash Costume That Sounds Like a Torture Straight from Hell
Critics were quick to claim that the actor, 34, was too slender to embody the superhero’s muscular ideal, and some even voiced concerns about his health, all from a single frame. In response to the online barrage, Gustin took to since-deleted Instagram, firing back with a powerful retort (via ABC News):
That’s a terrible photo that I was unaware was being taken. Some things need work and they will be worked on. We’ll get there.
His post also highlighted the double standard, where men’s bodies are subjected to harsh judgment, while women’s appearances often escape similar scrutiny. Gustin further noticed:
There’s a double standard where it’s ok to talk s— about a dude’s body. I do my best to stay in shape and add as much size as I can throughout these seasons. I’m naturally thin, and my appetite is greatly affected by stress.
The actor’s declaration was more than just a rebuttal; it was also a demonstration of his self-worth. He recalled:
I went to an audition for a role I never dreamed I’d actually book. But, here I am 5 seasons later.
His words were a rallying cry for others who, like him, have faced the stormy seas of body criticism.
Well, Gustin’s metamorphosis from the epicenter of body-shaming to a place of confidence and strength is an inspiring narrative. In terms of his career, he made a comeback to the stage by playing the lead role of Jacob Jankowski in the Broadway production ofWater for Elephants.
The Flashis streaming on Netflix.
Siddhika Prajapati
Senior Journalist & Content Head
Articles Published :3310
With over 3,300 articles carved into the digital walls of FandomWire, Siddhika Prajapati excels at creating, curating, and elevating engaging stories. She takes pride in giving these stories a home and, of course, she’s got a Google Knowledge Panel to prove it!Whether it’s reviewing the latest drop on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV+, or analyzing the cultural echoes of a streaming hit on Paramount+ or Max, Siddhika is always writing three steps ahead of the discourse.
