Florian Munteanu, known for his impressive physique in roles such as Viktor Drago in Creed II and Razor Fist in Shang-Chi: Legend of the Ten Rings, is gearing up for his latest challenging role as Krieg in the upcoming video game adaptation Borderlands. The 33-year-old former boxer is no stranger to intense physical training, but he reveals that preparing for this role has been his most demanding yet. With his all-or-nothing approach to training, Munteanu is pushing his limits to bring the jacked, masked, and shirtless character to life onscreen.
Early Beginnings in Training
Growing up in Germany, Munteanu started his training at a young age, following in the footsteps of his boxer father. He recalls beginning his training regimen at just five or six years old, learning the ropes of the sport that would shape his future. As he honed his skills, Munteanu eventually stepped into the ring himself, earning the nickname “Big Nasty” and making a name for himself in the boxing world. This foundation in boxing not only prepared him physically but also instilled in him the discipline and work ethic needed for his transition into an acting career.
Changing the Game for Borderlands
For his role as Krieg in Borderlands, Munteanu had to step up his training game to embody the larger-than-life character. The intense preparation involved a mix of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), core exercises, and arm-pumping circuits to sculpt the specific physique required for the role. Munteanu emphasizes the importance of bringing a video game character to life, highlighting the need for an “unreal shape” to match the character’s unique proportions. With a focus on achieving a thin waist, small torso, and big arms, Munteanu’s training regimen was tailored to meet the demands of the role and bring authenticity to the character.
Behind the Scenes with Florian Munteanu
The Men’s Health crew caught up with Munteanu in Los Angeles to get a glimpse into his intense training regimen for Borderlands. The actor shared insights into his workout routine, detailing the challenging exercises he incorporated to achieve the desired results. From clapping push-ups and high knees to burpees and mountain climbers, Munteanu’s HIIT workout was designed to push his limits and enhance his overall fitness for the role. Additionally, his focus on core training, with up to 20 different ab moves, aimed to sculpt his midsection and enhance his physical presence onscreen.
In addition to his HIIT and core exercises, Munteanu dedicated significant time to arm training to ensure he embodied the powerful presence of Krieg. He incorporated EZ bar curls and cable triceps pushdowns into his routine, completing multiple sets to failure to maximize muscle growth and definition. By targeting his arms specifically, Munteanu aimed to achieve the iconic look of the character, showcasing his dedication to embodying Krieg in both appearance and performance.
Through his commitment to intense training and dedication to his craft, Florian Munteanu is setting the stage for a truly impressive portrayal of Krieg in the upcoming Borderlands adaptation. With his relentless work ethic and focus on physical transformation, audiences can expect to see Munteanu bring the larger-than-life character to life in a way that stays true to the essence of the video game world. As he continues to push his limits and challenge himself in preparation for the role, Munteanu’s commitment to authenticity and excellence shines through, setting the stage for a memorable performance that showcases his talent and dedication to his craft.
