Luke Evans, the Welsh actor best known for his role as Zeus in Immortals and his portrayal of Dracula in Dracula Untold, recently shared a hilarious yet insightful confession on the Men’s Health UK podcast that has fans laughing and reflecting on masculinity in Hollywood. The revelation? A shirtless scene with his co-star Henry Cavill almost derailed his preparation for the role of Zeus—though not in the way you might think.

The Struggle With Masculinity and His Early Years
Evans, who is openly gay, took the opportunity to reflect on his personal journey to becoming the hyper-masculine characters he’s now known for. Growing up in South Wales, his concept of masculinity was shaped by the rugged, beer-guzzling, rugby-playing men around him. However, Evans felt disconnected from this traditional version of masculinity, describing himself as a skinny, bullied child who didn’t like who he was.

“I wasn’t always like this – this very masculine-presenting gay man. People think of me as this big action guy, but when I was young, I was a skinny, bullied, mouse-like kid who didn’t like who he was,” Evans revealed.

This early self-doubt set the stage for his evolving understanding of masculinity—a notion that would change over time. For Evans, true masculinity isn’t about physical appearance or bravado but about being comfortable in your own skin.

 

The Zeus Transformation: A Trial by Fire
The true test of Evans’ evolution came when he was cast as Zeus in Immortals. With only seven weeks to prepare for the role, Evans was thrust into an intense physical transformation. Meanwhile, his co-star Henry Cavill, who had been training for months for his role as Theseus, had already developed a physique that left Evans feeling more than a little intimidated.

Evans recalled the moment he was confronted with Cavill’s physique: “I remember one day, Henry took his top off and I was like, ‘Oh Jesus, I’ve got to get out of here. I can’t do this.’”

Rather than retreating from the challenge, Evans dove into a grueling bootcamp. He eliminated the comforts of his previous diet, which had consisted of sausage rolls and pints of Newcastle Brown Ale, and focused entirely on training, eating, sleeping, and resting. The result? Evans lost 13.5 kilograms in just seven weeks, and for the first time in his life, he had abs!

“It meant the next time I had to approach a challenge, I knew I’d already achieved something that I thought I couldn’t do before,” Evans shared, reflecting on his transformation. His newfound physicality was not just a cosmetic change but a mental one, building his confidence and reinforcing his belief in perseverance and self-discipline.

Redefining Masculinity: Lessons Learned
Now confident in his own skin, Evans is outspoken about his evolving definition of masculinity. Despite often playing macho roles, he believes that masculinity isn’t about fitting into a traditional mold. “Masculinity is much more about how a man feels in himself,” Evans says, highlighting the shift away from traditional notions of strength that tie it to physical size or loudness.

“I don’t think it has anything to do with masculinity,” he explained. “It comes down to who you are as a human being. I know strong, straight men who are really effeminate. Things have changed.”

However, Evans also acknowledges the value of tradition. He recognizes that certain aspects of masculinity have been harmful but believes there are valuable lessons to be learned from the past. “We can’t completely throw it away… Some of it is ugly, and it’s had a light shone on it in recent times. But I don’t think all of what we would class as masculine is bad. Our past is our past. Everything that’s happened to us informs who we are today.”

The Role of Friendship and Henry Cavill’s Influence
A significant influence on Evans’ growth and his shifting views on masculinity has been his friendship with Henry Cavill. Evans describes Cavill as the epitome of a well-rounded man—one who is not just physically imposing but kind and warm-hearted.

As Evans puts it, “There’s no bigger man than Superman,” but it’s not Cavill’s superhero persona that Evans admires most; it’s his genuine kindness and warmth. Evans has been influenced by Cavill’s belief that masculinity isn’t defined by appearances or bravado. “It’s not who you are in real life,” Evans explained about his action roles. “It’s called acting. I didn’t get the roles for any other reason than that they thought I was the right person for the job. They didn’t think about my sexuality. They didn’t think anything other than, ‘He looks the part and he can act.’”

Conclusion: A New Kind of Masculinity
Luke Evans’ journey into Hollywood action roles has been one of self-discovery, physical transformation, and humorous realizations. From overcoming childhood insecurities to becoming the iconic Zeus, his path hasn’t been conventional, but it’s been a powerful one. Through his friendship with Henry Cavill and his own growth, Evans has learned that masculinity is far more than muscle mass or bravado; it’s about self-acceptance, kindness, and evolving as a person.

Evans’ story reminds us that strength doesn’t come from conforming to outdated norms, but from embracing who we are and pushing through challenges with resilience. In a world where masculinity is constantly evolving, Evans is leading the charge for a more inclusive, authentic definition of what it truly means to be a man.