Ray Stevenson is packing on the pounds for the boisterous Asgardian warrior Volstagg, the actor's upcoming role in director Kenneth Branagh's "Thor" for Marvel Studios.
While the "Punisher: War Zone" star isn't readying himself for a fat-filled diet to play the rotund Volstagg, Stevenson did reveal that he'll nonetheless have plenty of gut to show off in "Thor" thanks to the aid of a bodysuit.
"It's fantastic," Stevenson told Empire Online of the suit. "I've tried the suit on, and what they've done is kind of sex him up: he's sort of slimmer but rounder."
It's hard to imagine the physically fit Stevenson as the flabby Volstagg, but at least it sounds like he'll be a closer match to the Asgardian's weight class thanks to the film's costume department. But even more important than Stevenson's physical likeness, it's essential that he understands the character. Luckily, it sounds like Stevenson has that covered, too.
"He's got every bit of that Falstaffian verve and vigour, and a bit of a beergut to suggest that enormous appetite, but he's not the sort of Weeble-shaped figure he is in the comics," described the actor. "He's Falstaff with muscles. I've got this amazing foam-injected undersuit that flexes with me. I can't wait!"
When Stevenson dons that foam-injected fat suit, he'll appear alongside Stuart Townsend and Tadanobu Asano, the other two members of the Warriors Three. The trio joins actors Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman and more in "Thor."
What do you think of Stevenson's comments about Volstagg? Does it sound like he'll be enough of a physical match? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!