Sacha Baron Cohen insists he was "only joking" when he claimed to have used Ozempic to help achieve his new muscular physique for a Marvel role

Alongside images from the shoot, Sacha posted on Instagram: "Some celebs use Ozempic, some use private chefs, some use personal trainers. I did all three."

He added: "This is not AI. I really am egotistical enough to do this. Debuting my new character. Middle aged man who replaced beer with protein shakes."

Sacha also thanked his trainer Alfonso Moretti, writing: "Thanks @theangrytrainer for doing the unthinkable - putting up with me for 25 minutes a day."

However, after the post prompted widespread speculation and some backlash, representatives for Sacha have told MailOnline he "was only joking" about using Ozempic.

They added that the transformation was entirely the result of "hard work".

Speaking to Men's Fitness UK, Sacha said he had only three weeks to get into superhero shape and credited Alfonso, also known as 'The Angry Trainer', with designing a focused programme of short daily workouts and strict nutrition.

Sacha said: "25-minute workouts that were sustainable. Even while filming, the workouts happened.

"In the past, I would've thought you needed hour-long sessions."

He said the plan included 100 push-ups a day and a diet high in fibre and protein, with minimal sugar.

At the start of training, Alfonso reportedly told Sacha he had "the core strength of an arthritic jellyfish" but praised his consistency.

Within two weeks, Marvel's costume department reportedly spent $5,000 (£3,600) making adjustments to his wardrobe due to changes in his physique.

Sacha revealed he reached out to actor Matthew McConaughey for a trainer recommendation, which led him to Alfonso.

Their first meeting was via FaceTime, during which the trainer asked Sacha to strip to his underwear so he could assess his body.

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige recently confirmed Sacha will portray Mephisto - a demonic entity who appears in the Ironheart series, and who has long been rumoured to be joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Sacha rose to prominence in the late 1990s with his Ali G character, followed by major roles in Borat, Brüno, and The Dictator.