Orlando Bloom Reveals ‘The Cut’ Role’s Dramatic Weight Loss Made Him ‘Hangry’

Orlando Bloom is committed to delivering great art, no matter the personal cost involved. In his latest role in the sports thriller “The Cut,” Bloom takes on the challenging part of a retired boxer who must undergo an intense weight loss program to make a comeback. This transformation was the focus of his conversation at Variety’s Toronto Film Festival Studio.

Bloom revealed the extent of his physical transformation, stating he lost an impressive 52 pounds over a three-month period leading up to filming. Starting at around 185 pounds, Bloom described his journey of gradually reducing his food intake. “I dropped quite a lot of weight, and I was very mentally challenged as well,” he shared. “You feed somebody tuna and cucumber long enough…”

The film’s director, Sean Ellis, noted that filming happened in reverse chronological order. This approach allowed Bloom to progressively gain weight throughout the 25-day shoot. Ellis explained, “Your brain is starved of calories, basically. It was going to be impossible for him to work while dieting. So, he came to us at his lightest, and then he starts to eat.”

Despite the physical demands required for the role, Bloom expressed that he was unprepared for the psychological challenges it would present. “I was more surprised about the mental aspect of (it), like the sleep deprivation, and not the depleted calories,” he explained. “There’s a lot going on in your brain… Living in that headspace for a while was very challenging.”

During a recent interview with People magazine, Bloom elaborated on his strict regimen leading up to the film. He reiterated the major adjustment to his diet, stating, “I was very hangry. The last three weeks in London, before we started filming, were just tuna and cucumber.” Bloom worked closely with a nutritionist who designed a rigorous diet plan to help him reach his lightest weight before production began.

The film made its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival, with Bloom attending alongside his fiancée, Katy Perry. Bloom noted that Perry was left “freaked out” after watching the movie for the first time, even shedding tears during the screening. “She was really moved,” he said. “She knew what it took.”

Bloom and Perry share a daughter, Daisy Dove, and during the demanding filming process, they faced the challenges of his strict lifestyle together as a family. Reflecting on the impact of his intense commitment, Bloom admitted, “I literally thought I was going to die” during one home visit after filming. But he credits Perry for her unwavering support during that tough period. “She was there throughout with the kids and stuff,” Bloom added. He also has a son, Flynn, from a previous relationship, highlighting that the rigorous demands of his profession can be tough on loved ones as well.

Overall, Bloom’s dedication to his craft for “The Cut” shows the extremes an actor can go to in order to portray a character authentically. The experience was taxing physically and mentally, but with the support of his fiancée and family, he navigated the challenges of preparing for this poignant role.

Source: USA TODAY