When preparing to play a superhero (or supervillain, or antihero) these days, it’s common practice to broadcast proof that one is being “jacked” for the part on social media. After all, there’s no gain without pain. As the film (finally) rolls on Black Adam, Chris Hemsworth’s jacked arms are getting even more publicity than normal (that, and he’s portraying Hulk Hogan in a biopic), while The Rock’s jacked legs are even more superhuman-looking than usual. Jensen Ackles, who will play Soldier Boy in The Boys, grudgingly participated in the jacked-photo game, adding, “[M]aybe I’m just too old for this garbage.”
Yayha Abdul-Mateen II, who is reprising his role as Black Manta in the upcoming Aquaman 2 film, isn’t having any of it. At the very least, he’s not flaunting that game. Here’s Yayha’s Instagram of him doing some sequel prep work, which shows him resting on a very comfortable looking bed in non-gym clothing and just captioning “Aquaman” and a peace sign. He’s going about his business. It is something I can respect.
As long as he’s at ease! And he’s undoubtedly more at ease in the gym than The Rock, who spends several hours each day there. Meanwhile, while Jason Momoa, who plays Aquaman, hasn’t uploaded a “ripped” photo that’s directly related to sequel prep, Amber Heard, who reprises her role as Queen Mera, has. Heard captioned an Instagram video with, “Abs-olutely dying!” #aquaman2.” She also (potentially) taunted her detractors by playing M.I.A.’s “Bad Girls” in the background, which I wouldn’t be surprised if was a signal to those who wanted her fired after the Johnny Depp libel trial fiasco.
