Part 4/12:

Looking back at action stars from previous decades reveals that today's actors might be more "normal" in appearance than their 80s predecessors. Sylvester Stallone and Jean-Claude Van Damme were famously jacked, often on steroids, to achieve exaggerated muscularity. In contrast, modern actors like Chris Pratt and John Krinsky present a leaner, more attainable physique that is less extreme.

This shift could be influenced by changing cinematic styles, camera technology, and casting choices. The goal now is often to portray characters that blend athleticism with a sense of realism, rather than the exaggerated bulk of earlier action icons. Furthermore, better cinematography and CGI enable actors to look more impressive without necessarily being on dangerous levels of steroids.