Bill Skarsgard showcased a tremendous physical transformation for his leading role in the Lionsgate production “The Crow”. Let’s delve into his intense regimen that included a strict diet and rigorous exercise routine.
Before portraying The Crow, Skarsgard featured in the indie action thriller “Boy Kills World,” playing a brutal, mute warrior possessing skills akin to John Wick. He was already bulking up muscle mass, and he maintained his high-protein, disciplined diet, and exercise routine for his upcoming role in “The Crow.”
“The Crow” director Rupert Sanders, in an interview with Variety during the New York premiere, shared his admiration for Skarsgard’s commitment towards his diet. He stated, “I’d always order for him at dinner because I knew his diet – mainly steak tartare and raw eggs. He spent considerable time in the gym and maintained a healthy eating habit that made us feel guilty when we indulged in fast food while working late in the Czech summer.”
Skarsgard reprised the role of Eric Draven or the supernatural antihero, The Crow, in Lionsgate’s rejuvenation of the popular movie from 1994, which starred the late Brandon Lee. After Eric and his girlfriend Shelly, played by FKA Twigs, are ruthlessly murdered, Eric is resurrected by a mystic crow to seek revenge. Skarsgard’s muscular transformation is unveiled when he becomes The Crow later in the film.
Skarsgard noted, “Before the filming, I was training for quite a while. My trainer and I continued to add weight gradually. It was a tough balance as Eric shouldn’t be ripped, but The Crow had to be. We did a lot of weight lifting and consumed large portions of protein to build muscle mass.”
In an intense scene where Skarsgard’s Crow infiltrates an opera house to fight dozens of henchmen and targets the primary antagonist, Sanders remarked it as the “craziest day on set”.
Sanders further explains, “The scene required intricate stunts which Bill performed himself. It’s visible that Bill is extremely fit, his physique in the film is remarkable. He played both sides of the character exceptionally; the destruction machine and empathetic moments. The action sequences have a deeper emotional connection which is greatly appreciated by the audience. They aren’t just gratuitous violence, and they truly feel connected to the character.”
However, the post-filming celebrations were distinctive. Skarsgard marked the end of his rigorous diet and workout regime with a drink. He shared, “I was happy with my diet so didn’t feel the need for cheating. But I guess my substantial cheat would be having a beer. I celebrated after the shoot ended.”
On the other hand, FKA Twigs, who characterized Eric’s girlfriend Shelly, followed a vastly different physical regime.
She didn’t perform any stunts, thus spent time exploring Prague’s diverse subcultures and practiced her physical training by raving and dancing. She said, “I raved and danced in Prague. Bill’s exercise regimen was vastly different from mine.”
FAQs:
Q1: What was Skarsgard’s diet and workout routine for his role in “The Crow”?
A1: Skarsgard maintained a high-protein diet and comprehensive workout routine. His diet mainly consisted of steak tartare and raw eggs. Along with a controlled diet, he dedicated substantial time to the gym.
Q2: What made Skarsgard’s performance unique in “The Crow”?
A2: Apart from Skarsgard’s physical transformation, his versatility in representing both destructive and empathetic moments of his character was greatly appreciated.
Q3: How did Skarsgard celebrate once the film’s shooting was wrapped up?
A3: Skarsgard indulged in beer marking an end to his strict diet schedule post-shooting of “The Crow.”
Credit: variety.com
