Wagner Maniçoba de Moura, a Brazilian actor, director, filmmaker, musician, and journalist, gained international recognition for his portrayal of Pablo Escobar in the Netflix series Narcos (2015-2016). His performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination and cemented his place as one of the most reputable Brazilian actors internationally. However, the role demanded significant physical and mental changes, including a substantial weight gain and immersion in a dark character. This article explores Wagner Moura's weight gain for the role of Pablo Escobar, his subsequent weight loss journey using a vegan diet, and the overall impact of playing such a complex character on his life.
The Transformation for Narcos: Gaining Weight and Learning Spanish
The casting of Wagner Moura as Pablo Escobar was initially met with surprise. Moura was known for being "very skinny," a stark contrast to Escobar's chubbier physique. Furthermore, Moura, a native Portuguese speaker, did not speak Spanish, the language of the character and the show's setting. To embody the role, Moura embarked on a transformative journey.
Gaining Weight
Moura gained 40 pounds to more closely resemble Pablo Escobar. In an interview with NPR, he mentioned eating a lot of pizza and ice cream to achieve this weight gain.
Learning Spanish
Recognizing the importance of authenticity, Moura dedicated himself to learning Spanish. He flew to Medellin, Colombia, and enrolled in a language school. As he humorously recounted, his classmates included "German businessmen and Japanese teenagers." Immersing himself in the language and culture, Moura not only acquired fluency in Spanish but also gained a deeper understanding of the context in which Escobar operated. He relocated his family to Colombia, exposing his children to a different part of Latin America. Learning the language was an exercise in accuracy for Moura, which he believes Hollywood can benefit from.
The Vegan Diet: Losing Weight and Shedding the Character
After wrapping up his role in Narcos, Wagner Moura was eager to shed the extra weight and the "energy" of Pablo Escobar. He turned to a vegan diet as a means to achieve both physical and mental transformation.
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Embracing Veganism
Moura adopted a vegan diet, which excludes all animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs. This dietary change served a dual purpose:
- Weight Loss: The vegan diet helped Moura lose the 40 pounds he had gained for the role.
- Emotional Cleansing: Moura felt that the vegan diet helped him "get rid of that character" and the negative energy associated with playing Pablo Escobar. He explained that living with such a character had a draining effect, and the dietary change was a way to cleanse himself of that lingering energy.
The Impact of Playing Escobar
Moura has openly discussed the challenges of playing such a dark and complex character. He acknowledged that portraying Escobar took a toll on him, both physically and emotionally.
Physical Toll
Moura stated that he would not change his body again for a role, emphasizing the impact the weight gain had on his health. "My cholesterol was - it was horrible," he revealed.
Emotional Toll
Living with the character of Pablo Escobar for two years had a profound impact on Moura. He described it as dealing with a "certain kind of energy every day that's not good at all." The vegan diet was not just about losing weight but also about shedding the psychological weight of the character.
The Aftermath: New Perspectives and Future Projects
The experience of playing Pablo Escobar and undergoing a physical and emotional transformation left Wagner Moura with new perspectives and a desire to explore different roles.
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A Newfound Appreciation for Language and Culture
Learning Spanish opened new doors for Moura, both personally and professionally. He expressed a desire to work in Spanish-language films in Mexico and Argentina. Furthermore, working with actors from various Latin American countries fostered a sense of cultural connection and belonging. He felt for the first time that he was part of something bigger than just being Brazilian.
Choosing Roles Wisely
Moura has become more selective about the roles he takes on, prioritizing his health and well-being. He has stated that he would not undergo such a drastic physical transformation again.
Advocating for Positive Representation
Moura is mindful of the representation of Latin Americans in Hollywood and seeks roles that challenge stereotypes. He appreciates opportunities to portray characters that showcase the diversity and complexity of Latin American culture.
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