Jake Gyllenhaal takes training dedication to a whole new level as he transforms his body for his latest film, Southpaw. The film tells the compelling story of Billy ‘The Great’ Hope, reigning light heavyweight boxing champion of the world (played by Gyllenhaal). Hope seemingly has it all with an impressive career, a beautiful and loving wife (Rachel McAdams), an adorable daughter and a lavish lifestyle.
But it all comes crashing down: tragedy strikes, causing his lifelong manager and friend (Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson) to leave him behind, and Hope hits rock bottom. In desperate need of a comeback he turns to an unlikely saviour at a run-down local gym: Tick Willis (Forest Whitaker), a retired fighter and trainer to the city’s toughest amateur boxers. With his future riding on Willis’s guidance and tenacity, Hope enters the hardest battle of his life as he struggles with redemption and to win back the trust of those he loves.
Director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer) wanted Gyllenhaal to give it his all and decided to go along for the journey with him. Get a behind-the-scenes look at their regimen and Gyllenhaal’s physical transformation as seen in the film.
Check out Gyllenhaal's other body transformations
Southpaw will be released across the UK and Ireland by Entertainment Film Distributors on 24th July 2015
