Hollywood transformations often make headlines, but Joshua Jackson’s commitment to his latest character in Karate Kid: Legends is nothing short of astonishing. Best known for his dramatic roles in Dr. Death and Doctor Odyssey, Jackson has now taken on a more physically demanding challenge—playing Victor, a former heavyweight boxing champion turned pizzeria owner. And to embody this larger-than-life character, the 46-year-old actor embraced an intense regimen, packing on nearly 20 pounds by consuming 4,000 calories a day.
From Lean to Heavyweight
In a recent appearance on the Today show, Jackson shared the specifics behind his dramatic transformation. “I walk around at 175,” he revealed. “I was almost 195 for the film.” Gaining that much weight wasn’t just about piling on calories—it was about doing so in a way that reflected the strength and stature of a retired heavyweight boxer. “It was harder than I thought it was going to be,” Jackson admitted, acknowledging the physical toll the bulking process took.
Victor, Jackson’s character in Karate Kid: Legends, is a man with a past in the ring and a passion for pizza, but Jackson was determined to make him more than just a cliché. “Victor isn’t just a musclehead. He’s got depth, a history. I wanted to show that physically and emotionally,” Jackson shared.
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The Training Doesn’t Get Easier with Age
The Canadian actor confessed that while physical preparation remains one of the most exciting aspects of his job, it’s a very different experience in his mid-40s. “The training part is the fun part of my job,” Jackson said, “but the training hits different at 45, 46 than it did when I was in my 20s.” Still, he finds joy in embracing new skills with every role.
This isn’t Jackson’s first body transformation. In 2023, he gained 30 pounds to play the infamous neurosurgeon Christopher Duntsch in Dr. Death. That role left him physically and emotionally drained, so much so that he suffered a significant back injury after filming wrapped. “A disc in my back exploded,” he recalled. “I couldn’t walk for six weeks.”
According to Jackson, the injury likely stemmed from the mental stress of playing such a dark and psychologically complex character. “Carrying that kind of stress and anxiety around all the time is also not good for you,” he reflected. He has since acknowledged that the emotional toll of acting can be even more draining than the physical strain.
Parenthood Brings New Perspective
Fatherhood has played a pivotal role in how Jackson approaches his work today. As a dad to five-year-old Juno, whom he shares with ex-wife Jodie Turner-Smith, Jackson said his priorities and methods have shifted. “My life is different now because I have a child,” he said. “I used to be able to go away some place and be off the beaten path for a while to help purge myself of an experience.”
He also noted that he’s more aware now of the psychological aftereffects certain roles can have and actively takes steps to decompress after intense performances. “The emotional tax can be higher than the physical tax,” Jackson admitted, suggesting a new level of mindfulness in his career choices.
Ready for the Big Screen Again
With Karate Kid: Legends hitting theatres on Friday, May 30, audiences are eager to see Jackson’s powerful new presence on screen. His transformation into Victor—a character shaped by punches in the ring and slices in the kitchen—is not just a feat of physical discipline, but also one of artistic dedication.
Joshua Jackson’s journey into the role is a reminder that acting, at its core, is about more than just looking the part—it’s about fully becoming the character, no matter the cost.