“More Than Bodybuilding”: 35-Y.O. Michael Cera Reveals the Grueling Physical Work Required for the Stunts on Edgar Wright’s $47.7 Million Cult Classic

Michael Cera is renowned for his roles in films like Superbad (2007), Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010), and the TV show Arrested Development. The actor recently appeared in the blockbuster movie Barbie alongside Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, directed by Greta Gerwig. In a candid interview with GQ on its YouTube channel, Cera delved into his intense training sessions for Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. The actor revealed that his training regimen was more challenging than he had ever imagined.

Cera is known for his comedic timing and relatable characters. His role in the $47.7 million film demanded a level of fitness that pushed him out of his comfort zone. During his interview, he shared insights into his training experience and mentioned that it was more difficult than bodybuilding. He emphasized the grueling nature of the process.

Michael Cera got out of his comfort zone for the role of Scott Pilgrim

The actor explained that his training sessions were focused on endurance training. He said, “We’re kind of doing endurance training more than anything more than bodybuilding or something.” The demanding regimen involved not only physical strength but also mental resilience. Endurance training, as Cera revealed, was the cornerstone of his preparation. This training, he noted, went far beyond mere bodybuilding; it tested his limits in ways he had not anticipated.

Cera also detailed the challenges of fight training, which involved intricate choreography that was unfamiliar and unnatural to him. “Fight training you know choreography, which is just so unnatural to me and sometimes hurt. There were a couple of times where I got hurt,” the actor added.

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Cera shared an anecdote about attempting to block kicks repeatedly. He mentioned,

“Like, just even blocking a kick, trying to block over and over and find the right point in space to put your hand… One time I just went too low and received the full blow of this guy’s kick.” recounted the actor during the GQ interview. However, there was one incident that stood out.

A kick that made him feel like getting hit by a train

Cera explained “One of the stuntmen was just kicking at a point in the air, and it’s an insane feeling—you can’t believe it’s happening in your hand. Like, you didn’t know that you had these muscles in your hand. Now they’re throbbing for like a week, like a train hit me in the hand, you know? Very weird.” According to the 35-year-old, his overall experience during this movie was completely different from the roles he has done in his career. This role challenged him more than any other character.

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The movie Scott Pilgrim vs. World is based on the Comic book ‘Scott Pilgrim’ by Bryan Lee O’Malley. Edgar Wright directed this romantic, action-comedy film and it remains a cult classic. Cera recalled his first film experience as well. The actor said he was upset after the shooting ended, and people moved on with their lives.

While Michael Cera has become more accustomed to the feeling, in 2010, it was new to him. Did you know Cera had to train so much for the 2010 film? Tell us in the comments.