Donnie Yen Gets Huge for New Movie with Vin Diesel
Donnie Yen (甄子丹) is definitely living up to his name of being “the universe’s strongest,” showing that everything is possible through perseverance and never giving up.
The 52-year-old actor and mixed martial artist has been out of the country in the past few months to shoot the new Hollywood action film xXx: The Return of Xander Cage, sequel to the 2002 film xXx and 2005 film xXx: State of the Union, both starring Vin Diesel. The Return of Xander Cage is produced by Diesel and directed by D.J. Caruso.
In The Return of Xander Cage, Donnie stars as Xiang, an alpha warrior working at odds with Xander Cage, an athlete-turned-government agent reprised by Diesel. For the film, Donnie underwent a hell-bent training regime to get into shape and achieve the ideal male physique.
To compete with Diesel, who is known for his muscles and hardcore action flicks, Donnie said he had to put in even more effort to train his body. To gain muscle, Donnie put himself in a strict diet and training regimen. He avoided carb intake, cutting salt, sugar, and starch in his diet. After several months of hard work at the gym, Donnie finally decided that it was time to show off his new masterpiece.
“I haven’t had a good meal in a while,” said Donnie in an interview with the Hong Kong media. “But my willpower overcame my hunger. I’m almost 53 years old! I am the only Chinese actor in this film, so I can’t lose to the others!”
Due to diet and biological differences, it is generally more difficult for Asians to build muscle mass and achieve the huge physique. However, Donnie believes that, through perseverance, everything is achievable.
“I think Chinese actors can rival foreign actors,” said Donnie. “As long as you put in the effort, there will be good results, and sometimes these results are even stronger than expected. Chinese actors can flourish from this, regardless of age!”
Donnie said it was perseverance and strong will that helped him complete the training. “Many people tend to give up after coming across an obstacle, but I managed to go past that. I want to tell everyone here, including my children, that we must have confidence, determination, and willpower in order to achieve success. Being too tired or having no time are just excuses. If I can do it, so can you.”
There is still one more week left before The Return of Xander Cage completes filming. Donnie said he couldn’t wait to return to Hong Kong to see his son and daughter. He plans to stop by the United States to visit his parents, and said his biggest wish at the moment is to treat himself to a big meal after filming ends.
xXx: The Return of Xander Cage also stars Samuel L. Jackson and Tony Jaa.
Source: Oriental Daily
This article is written by Addy for JayneStars.com.
Wow! I wish i have his determination and willpower! Great body for his age!
@jessehsuan he’s getting ton of money to look good. If we don’t have a full time job. Then we all can look like that.
@skyking really doubt anyone can look like that even with ton of money and no full time job. Take hell of a lot of dedication and determination. I know i can say if I have ton of money and no full time job I’ll be busy traveling with my kids instead of working out at the gym. Ha!
@happybi that’s stupid. In order to make ton of money as an actor like playing action star like don. He needs to have that kind of body. I’m saying it’s related to his field of work.
@skyking I am referring to your “if we don’t have a full time job. Then we all can look like that.” comment. So if you are only referring to “Donnie” then please be more specific. We all know he make ton of money to look like that but it still take a lot of determination and dedication. Please give credit when credit are due. he’s not young.. to have that body is amazing.
@skyking So are you implying that you don’t have a full-time job?
@dook did I say I look like that?
@skyking Just being sarcastic. You don’t need a full-time job or, let alone, be a celebrity to have a body like that. It’s all about dedication and strict dieting.
Holy crap!!!! He looks good! Raymond Lam please take note, that’s what you call getting buff and looking amazing!!!
I remember Rain Jung Ji Hoon also being on a strict diet for Ninja Assistant and he also was very buff! Lot of work but like Donnie said, with determination and perseverance anything is possible!
@happybi
I think in Ninja Assassins, most are CGI so I have no idea why Rain needs to get all buff up since he know no real martial arts. They should cast him for like some dude best friend in a romcom.
@sammie1988 some cgi yes but there was a lot of action scene and that was physically draining. He also did his own stunts and being how he was without his shirt in some scene, he gotta look the part too. Who would believe he was a top ninja if he didn’t look like one? Thought he was great in it except his English could always ne better. Perfer him in Korean drama and movie where he is more natural speaking his own language.
@happybi yeah, Raymond is too skinny now and his face got longer just like his gf. I prefer his old looks.
@jessehsuan never a fan of him really but he really aged himself with his new look. Not good.
I remember he used to have gigantic biceps while filming “Tiger Cage 2” like 20 years ago. Looks like he is still taking good care of them.
Based on Yen’s IG pictures and videos, it seems like the movie will be action-packed and he will have a major role enough for the audience to be impressed. Still have doubts so they better not mess it up.