Mark Wahlberg Debuts Radical Body Transformation For Faith-Based Role In ‘Father Stu’

Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg is known for being the epitome of physical fitness. That’s why it came as a massive shock to his fans this week when he took to Instagram to reveal that he’s put on 20 pounds in just three weeks in anticipation for an upcoming faith-based role.

Wahlberg Shows Off Radical Body Transformation 

“From left photo, three weeks ago to this, now. Thanks to @chef_lawrence_d cooking,” Wahlberg, 49, wrote in the caption alongside before and after photos of himself. 

This came a day after he showed off his new belly in an Instagram video, captioning that one, “Kenny’s down 50 and I’m up about 20. Inspired to be better! I’m going up another 20. Yes it’s for a role.”

Wahlberg’s New Faith-Based Movie

Wahlberg is gaining this weight to play the real-life figure of Father Stuart Long in the upcoming film Father Stu. It’s set to be directed by Rosalind Ross.

“I’m playing a guy who was a fighter — he was many things,” Wahlberg said of the role last month, according to Page Six.

“He was a fighter, he moved to L.A. to become an actor, he fell in love with a girl, he had an accident, he had an outer-body spiritual experience, he decided to become a priest,” Wahlberg added. “He died of a rare disease, IBM, but he had a big impact on a lot of people in a very short amount of time.”

Full Story: Mark Wahlberg To Star In Faith-Based Film About A Boxer-Turned-Priest

This weight gain is a big sacrifice for Wahlberg, as he has long been open about just how devoted he is to physical fitness. In fact, he’s such a fitness-lover that he often strives to encourage others to change their lives by working out as well.

Wahlberg Promotes Working Out 

“Every journey starts with that first step and if you have been slacking off or have never focused on your health or working out, you just have to throw yourself into it and get started!” he told US Weekly in December. 

“Starting small is key so you wake up the next day feeling tired and good about yourself, not crazy sore!” he added at the time. “A little sore is OK, but you don’t want to give yourself any excuses in the beginning to not keep on-track.”

Wahlberg went on to admit that he’s still only human, so “some days are easier than others” when it comes to working out. 

“Shocking the body and changing up the workouts helps me keep in top shape and making improvements,” Wahlberg explained. “I also listen to my body and rest when I need it. … It is important to keep on track with your fitness and health goals and not lose momentum and slip back into a sedentary lifestyle.”

Related: Mark Wahlberg Explains How He Boldly Shares His Faith With Hollywood Peers

Wahlberg is certainly going all in to play Father Stu, and we can’t wait to see the movie that results from his efforts.

Keep up the good work, Marky Mark!