10 Times Christian Bale Dramatically Transformed His Body for a Role

An actor who truly goes “method” to play certain characters, Christian Bale has dramatically changed his appearance many times by gaining and losing weight for roles.

Here are 10 times Bale majorly changed his appearance to prepare for a film.

Bale bulked up for “American Psycho” (2000) and had dental work done.

Christian Bale American Psycho

Bale reportedly lost 60 pounds for his role in “The Machinist” (2004).

Christian Bale The Machinist

Bale said he gained 100 pounds while preparing for his role “Batman Begins” (2005).

Christian Bale Batman Begins

Bale lost a bit of weight again to play a stranded pilot in “Rescue Dawn” (2006).

Bale said he gained back his weight and muscle strength for “The Dark Knight” (2008).

Bale reportedly lost 30 pounds to play Dicky Eklund in “The Fighter” (2010).

Bale returned to his Batman physique for the filming of “The Dark Knight Rises” (2012).

Bale said he gained around 43 pounds for his role in “American Hustle” (2013).

Bale injured himself during preproduction of “The Big Short” (2015).

Christian Bale The Big Short

Bale reportedly gained 40 pounds and spent hours in hair and makeup to portray Dick Cheney in “Vice” (2018).

Christian Bale dick cheney vice