Why Charles Melton Gained 40 Pounds for “May December”
Iconic and accomplished film director Todd Haynes, who cast Charles Melton in his highly anticipated film “May December,” recently revealed that the actor went to great lengths to prepare for his role. Charles, known for his role in the popular TV show “Riverdale,” plays Joe, the husband of Gracie (Julianne Moore), who had a relationship with her when he was just 13 and she was 36.
During an interview with Vulture, Todd expressed his gratitude for Charles joining the cast, admitting that he had no prior knowledge of the actor from “Riverdale.” He also mentioned that Charles’ physical appearance initially made him hesitant about casting him, as he envisioned Joe as a good-looking man with a different aesthetic. However, Charles surprised him with his hunky and pinup qualities.
To fully embody the character, Charles underwent a significant physical transformation. He gained approximately 35 to 40 pounds, altering his chiseled physique to portray a more relatable suburban man. Todd praised Charles for his exceptional physicality and the choices he made as an actor. According to a friend who saw a cut of the film, Charles moves like a combination of a child and an old man, which perfectly aligns with his character’s predicament.
For more insights, you can read the entire interview here.
