Henry Cavill’s commitment to The Witcher has been nothing short of intense, with the 41-year-old actor going to extreme lengths to embody the rugged monster hunter, Geralt of Rivia. For his role, Cavill has adopted a grueling fitness regimen — but perhaps the most striking part of his preparation is his dehydration method to showcase every muscle for shirtless scenes.

During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Cavill shared the details of his three-day dehydration routine, a process that involves limiting his water intake over several days leading up to filming. By gradually reducing water consumption, Cavill enhances muscle definition by eliminating excess water weight, giving his skin a tight, defined look on camera. “That’s the worst part of it,” he admitted. “Diet is difficult, and you’re hungry, but when you are dehydrating for three days, you get to the point on the last day where you can smell water nearby.”

For Cavill, the physical toll of dehydration is intense. By the third day, he’s barely taking in any fluids at all. In this depleted state, he performs push-ups just before the cameras roll to maximize muscle pump, making his skin appear as if it’s clinging to his physique. While the effect is undeniably striking, Cavill humorously confesses that the process leaves him feeling like “the most miserable person on the planet.”

But looking the part is only part of Cavill’s approach. His rigorous training isn’t just for the aesthetics; it’s essential for performing the demanding action scenes that The Witcher requires. “The training for these kinds of things, the most important thing is your health so you can stay physically fit without injuries while doing all these crazy things,” Cavill said. For him, fitness is about resilience as much as it is about the look, ensuring he can handle the physical demands of each scene.

Beyond his chiseled physique, Cavill goes to other lengths to transform into Geralt, including donning yellow contact lenses — which limited his vision on set — and a silver-blond wig to fully embody his character’s iconic look. Despite the sacrifices, Cavill takes it all in stride, bringing a dedication to the role that underscores his passion for bringing the beloved character to life.

For audiences, Cavill’s efforts are visible in every muscle-clad frame. But off-camera, he continues to be an example of the lengths actors often go to in the pursuit of authenticity, proving that perfection, even in fantasy, can come with a very real cost.